By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
New GUINNESS World Record of a150 hour non-stop mathematics lesson by an individual, Uduak Nanga says he needed a platform to demonstrate to the world that Mathematics could be fun.
Nanga, who recently concluded the challenge held at Kings Kid Christian International High School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State earlier in the week, is a native of Ikono Local Government Area of the State
During a chat with our correspondent in Uyo on today, Nanga said he desires to reawaken passion for mathematics on the minds of young ones.
The new record breaker, an Electrical/Electronic Engineering graduate of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, had before the Guinness World Record attempt partnered international bodies including UNESCO to cultivate interest in mathematics among young students in the state.
He said his passion for mathematics was initiated by his mother, Mrs Rose Edet Nanga who maintained a daily routine of checking his maths notes from his primary education level.
The marathoner, fondly called Mc Calculus who lost his first 10 hours on the world record attempt to technical challenge said he was not deterred by the setback because mathematics as a course is designed to provide solution to complex issues of life.
“To me, it is a dream come true. Mathematics is passion to me and when I see people around the world dreading mathematics, sometimes feel bad and would ask myself,” how can I show to the world that mathematics is fun? So I thought of a platform to do that globally.
“That was why I went into the Guinness world record attempt, so what I did is beyond the record. Just the platform that I needed to show the whole world that they should have passion for mathematics.
“Doing so would enable the young ones, students and everyone to understand that mathematics is good for everyday life. Because beyond using it in academics, mathematics can be used in time management, planning and solving complex problems in life.
“When we talk about mathematics, anything in life that you have a solution to is mathematics, because in mathematics you must have solution no matter how complex it is. So in everyday life, you need perseverance, a follow-up, step by step. In the course of doing this mathaton, I see a lot of people having a rethink about mathematics.
The Mathatoner who teaches mathematics in one of the private secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State says he desires to encourage students across schools in the state and Nigerian at large through programmes to encourage coaching in mathematics.
He disclosed plans to launch a programme called Ultimate Brain Search which will draw students from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. The programme, according to Nanga will involve organizing quiz competition, debates, symposiums in mathematics.
He appreciated Akwa Ibom State Government and other corporate and private bodies who supported him during the 150 hour record attempt and pledged to wholeheartedly partner the state government on any of its programs to encourage excellence in mathematics
He specifically appreciated his alma mata the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic for the support accorded him throughout the duration of the challenge, and the engagement as ad-hoc mathematics teacher in the institution, a platform he deeply appreciated. He recalled that he had, even before his admission into the institution as student, organized tutorials for ND students of the polytechnic.
