Okey-Awuzie: How mathematics solves life problems

Chizitere Okey-Awuzie, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College, Kaduna, Kaduna State has stressed that Mathematics remains a critical factor in solving day-to-day human problems.

Okey-Awuzie, who is a participant in the on-going Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz Show sponsored by Cowbell, the flagship brand of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, explained that the most cited practical application for Mathematics in everyday life is money management. “To manage your own money, you need basic Mathematical knowledge, even beyond the basic concepts of arithmetic. Life is beautiful; Mathematics is also beautiful,” he said

He added that to be able to adequately understand the terms of a loan or an investment account, a basic understanding of Mathematics is also required. Another way Mathematics is useful, according to him, is with your electrical usage at home. “With a little math, and some numbers from your utility bill, you can easily calculate how much money you spend leaving the lights on all the time,” he maintained.

At the end of the preliminary rounds last weekend, Okey-Awuzie and Rukevwe Ugorji of Saint Augustine’s College, New Karu, Nasarawa State with 105 and 100 points respectively crossed into the semi-finals.

Both contestants survived stiff challenge from Chidera Offor of Federal Government College, Enugu, Enugu State; Chisom Etteh Calvary Arrows College, Gboko, Benue State; Francis Mbonu of Top Faith International Secondary School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and David Degold of Evangel College, Gombe, Gombe State.

Okey Awuzie, also known as Chizitere (meaning God sent), expressed high hope of getting to the finals and winning the ultimate prize. “My expectation is to win this competition; I don’t want to think of losing at all,” he said.

Ugorji who was also very excited by his feat, maintained that winning at the finals was the ultimate. “I just pray I win the ultimate prize, though I don’t know what I will do with my prize money yet,” the 16-year-old said.

In the Junior Category, Olayinka Abdulwakil of Nigerian Tulip International College, Kaduna and Deborah Oyekunle of Deeper Life High School, Ibadan, Oyo State got through to the semi-finals.

With 115 and 90 points respectively, Oyekunle and Abdulwakil came ahead of Donald Peters of Sacred Heart College, Apapa, Lagos State; Oluwatimilehin Oluborode of Greater TomorrowModel College, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State; Kachi Fidel ugwuowo of University of Nigeria Secondary School, Enugu, Enugu State and Moshood Abdulbasit of Basaura Institute of Comprehensive Education, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Abdulwakil, who aspires to become a software engineer, scored 93 per cent in the qualifying examination conducted nationwide in March 2017. He ascribed his victory to the grace of God and dedicated preparation. “I am happy that I made it. It couldn’t have been better. I really thank God, I prayed hard and also worked hard and the result is very pleasant,” he said.

Deborah, 13 who is participating in the 2017 Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz Show for the first time, felt “very excited and happy” qualifying for the semi-finals. “My expectation is to win and wear the crown. I pray this dream comes true. And if I win, I will give my prize money to my parents,” she said.

An all-expense paid educational excursion outside the country and One Million Naira is the ultimate prize for this year’s winners in both the Junior and Senior categories, while the first and second runners-up in each category will go home with Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira and Five Hundred Thousand Naira respectively.

The teachers of the 2017 champions will be awarded with Four Hundred Thousand Nairaeach, while those of the first and second runners-up will receive Three Hundred Thousand Naira and Two Hundred Thousand Naira respectively. The winning schools will be rewarded with Mathematics textbooks, desktop computers and printers.

The 2017 Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz Show continues this weekend and will be aired to millions of viewers on DSTV Africa Magic Family channel, Africa Independent Television (AIT) Network and other six television stations across the country.