Old Mutual, Mzuni sign K7.5m Math Olympiad MoU

Old Mutual has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mzuzu University (Mzuni) to sponsor a K7.5million Mathematics Olympiad for over 1000 secondary schools across the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony on Friday, Old Mutual group chief executive officer Christopher Kapanga said the Olympiad will help motivate students in secondary schools to like mathematics and science subjects.

He said currently a number of students do not like mathematics because the subject is deemed to be tough and that there are no motivating structures to help students work hard.

He said most schools also lack experienced or qualified teachers which affects delivery of the subject and in the end students suffer.

Kapanga said because standards of education have gone down in

secondary schools, students tend to underperform in universities and the development affects the industry. He said the quality of graduates from universities leaves a lot to be desired because standards are compromised in secondary schools.

“We cannot blame the universities that they produce such graduates.The problem is in the secondary school. If we solve the problem in the secondary schools, we will have quality graduates.

“We need such Olympiads so that students can be able to compete. This will motivate a number of students who do not like the subject,” said Kapanga.

He said Old mutual will ensure that Math Olympiad is sustained.

Kapanga said apart from the K7.5million, there is also money for administration to ensure that the Olympiad is an annual event.

He said there is also need for other organizations to sponsor Olympiads for English and other subjects to improve the standards of education in the country.

Mzuni deputy vice-chancellor Dr Loveness Kaunda said the Olympiad is for Form 3 students from both private and public secondary schools.

She said teachers in these schools will select 10 best students who will compete with others. The students will be competing as individuals and prizes will be awarded to individuals.