Sophia Michaels
Mr. Uduak Nanga, also known as Mc Calculus, recently completed a new Guinness World Record with a 150-hour non-stop mathematics lesson, achieved by an individual. He expressed that he undertook this endeavor to provide a platform for people, particularly the youth, to understand that mathematics can be both easy and enjoyable.
Nanga, a native of Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State who concluded the challenge at Kings Kid Christian International High School, Uyo, earlier in the week, in a chat with our correspondent on Thursday, said he desires to reawaken passion for mathematics among young people.
The Electrical/Electronic Engineering graduate of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, who had before the Guinness World Record attempt partnered international bodies including UNESCO to cultivate interest in mathematics among young students in the state, 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 who lost his first 10 hours on the world record attempt to technical challenges, 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 marathon, I saw a lot of people having a rethink about mathematics.
Nanga, who teaches mathematics in one of the private secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State, said he desires to encourage students across schools in the state and Nigeria 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 competitions, debates and symposiums on mathematics.
