Mathamatics Aims

" The universe cannot be read until we have learnt the language and became familiar with the characters in which it is written, it is written in mathematical language, and the letters are triangles, circles and other geometric figures, without which, means it is humanly impossible to comprehend a single word. Without these, one is wondering about in a dark labyrinth.” (Galileo: 1564-1642) as quoted by Wikipedia, the knowledge of mathematics is very important, to an individual or a nation ,it is a universal language hence its applications are unlimited, like the(National Open University of Nigeria: 5) quotes Ogunsulire(1977) highlighting this by pointing to "...the construction of bridges and skyscrapers, the harnessing of the power of water, Coal, electricity and the atom; the effective employment of light, sound and radio, in illumination, communication, navigation, and even entertainment, the use of the pulleys in lifting heavy weights and the advantageous employment of chemical knowledge in the design of materials, in the production of useful forms of oil and even in medicine...".according to Sidhu(1998: 2) “knowledge of educational values helps the teacher to avoid aimlessness in teaching. Value is a springboard of aim and vice-versa.” He further states that there are three main values of Mathematics; Practical or Utilitarian value, Disciplinary value, and Cultural value. In this paper, the aims of teaching mathematics at national level will be highlighted and discussed.

Teaching mathematics at national level aims at developing its practical use in reality, Sidhu (1998:2-3) illustrates this by saying “A common man can get on sometimes very well without learning how to read and write, but he can never pull on without learning how to count and calculate…he falls prey to exploiters…Ignorance of mathematics in the masses is a formidable obstacle in the way of a country’s progress.” Hence mathematics is utilized in everyday life. According to Wikipedia (2015)...