The National Mathematical Centre (NMC) is seeking partnership with the Education Trust Fund (ETF) to simplify the teaching and learning of Mathematics through an intensive training programme billed to commence in January 2009.

Director General of the NMC, Sam Ale, who dropped this hint in Abuja said the initiative had become necessary owing to the need to expose students to the intricacies and the perceived mystery surrounding the study of Mathematics.

He observed that it was imperative for mathematical education to be given priority by the government, stating that the President's Seven-point Agenda could not be realised without pro-active actions on human capital development.

Ale identified mathematical skills as a necessary catalyst for technological transformation of Nigeria, adding that the centre was desirous of helping the country achieve this feat gradually.

The training programme which has been test-run in the six geo-political zones of the country with tremendous impact on pupils, is expected to help government discover young talents in the mathematical sciences that could effectively participate in international Mathematics and Science Olympiads.

Said Ale: "In pursuit of the seven-point agenda of the Yar'Adua administration, we are geared towards ensuring that the nation's citizens who are the human capital resources are made educated with particular emphasis on Mathematics and science education.