Accra, June 18, GNA - Professor Daniel Mireku-Gyimah, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, on Thursday advised mathematicians to use local illustrations to teach mathematics, which he said would promote better understanding and interest in the subject.

He said mathematics forms part of everyday life and its importance to national and personal development could not be over-emphasised. He made this call at the opening ceremony of a three-day International Conference on mathematics and its applications in Accra under the theme: "The role, relevance and responsibilities of the Mathematical Scientist".

Prof. Mireku-Gyimah said mathematicians have a role to play in solving the global economic crisis and other difficulties facing the country.

He said the recommendations to be made at the conference should aim at changing the perception people have on the subject. Prof. Isaac Kwame Dontwi, Acting Director of the National Institute for Mathematical Sciences (NIMS), expressed confidence that the conference would improve the study and use of mathematics. He said the maiden edition of an electronic journal on mathematical studies and findings would be produced after the conference, which would serve as the foundation to step-up NIMS's objectives. Prof. Daniel Bentil, Department of Maths and Statistics, Vermont University, USA, said NIMS was committed to involving everyone from the Kindergarten level to express interest in mathematics.

He urged mathematics teachers to attract young people into learning mathematics through organizing social activities involving mathematics adding that they should desist from scaring people away from the subject. The conference organised by NIMS attracted all the six public universities in the country aimed at promoting mathematics. 18 June 09