Tobias Sylvester
The Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to use mathematical models to solve worsening insecurity problems in the country.
The President of the association, Professor Mamman Musa made the call the opening of their 57th Annual Conference tagged, “Securing Nigeria: A Mathematical Perspective,” in Kano on Tuesday.
Musa suggested that mathematical calculations could be used to deceive humans, hence the need to apply it to the security challenges confronting the country.
“Security issues are no more analogue, they are mathematical and digital. So, if we can harness the intelligence of these individuals, who acquired skills in mathematical applications certainly, security challenges will be minimised to the barest minimum.
“In fact, if you look at the various aspects of insecurity, not just the physical, the mental aspect of it that is associated with causes, relates to mathematical applications.
“Some of you may not know because we are handicapped in advanced mathematics. If we look at what is called artificial intelligence, we can manipulate human behaviour. So, these are some of the things the conference is going to address,” he said.
In a keynote address, Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau, a former governor of Kano State, said that “mathematics was the most important technique in crime detection”.
Shekarau was represented by Alhaji Umar Musa, the Director-General, Shekarau Organization.
“Today, mathematics lies behind expert conclusions on hundreds of forensic matters, from fingerprints to DNA.
“Mathematics is playing such an increasing role in crime scene investigation, and in helping forensic scientists work out a range of problems including the trajectories of bullets, fingerprints recognition and the speed of moving vehicles,” he said.
Musa said mathematics also plays a vital role in military operations and cybercrime.
“Nation’s advancement in the production of warfare equipment depends solely on the level it has reached in science and technology. Interestingly, Mathematics is the language of science and technology,” the former Kano governor explained.
“Therefore, mathematics is necessary for addressing all security challenges. Mathematics is a powerful tool and, if used correctly, will contribute immensely in tackling security challenges in Nigeria.” (NAN)
KanyiDaily that the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams had also called on the Federal Government to use traditional methods to tackle the worsening insecurity in the country.
