Over the weekend, Meru School hosted the prestigious Meru School National Mathematics Contest, bringing together 42 schools and over 2,000 students from across the country. The event, themed “Mathematics Unites,” was a testament to the power of Mathematics to transcend boundaries and foster collaboration among young minds.

The Vice-Chancellor of Meru University of Science and Technology, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, represented by the Registrar, Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Stephen Karanja, delivered an inspiring speech that echoed the importance of unity and celebration of Mathematics. Dr. Karanja was accompanied by Dr. Jacob Okung’u (Lecturer, School of Pure and Applied Sciences), Sarah Gatwiri (Public Relations Office), Fridah Mbwiria (Public Relations Office), Selina Muthoni (Reuben Marambii Library) and Arthurton Wanjohi (School of Computing and Informatics).

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the significance of Mathematics as the language of the universe, emphasizing its role in shaping our understanding of the world. He commended Meru School for organizing the contest, recognizing it as a platform to showcase the intellectual prowess and analytical thinking of the youth.

The contest was not merely a competition but a celebration of the beauty of Mathematics. Participants were given the opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities, tackling challenging problems and unraveling the mysteries of numbers, patterns, and equations. Beyond the thrill of winning, the contest fostered a spirit of camaraderie, collaboration, and mutual respect among the participants.

The Vice-Chancellor, in his speech, urged the students to embrace the process of problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of passion, perseverance, and resilience in their journey. He reminded them of the invaluable support they have received from their teachers, mentors, and parents, urging them to acknowledge and express gratitude for their unwavering belief in their abilities.

As the event concluded, Dr. Karanja wished the students success in all their endeavors, encouraging them to cherish the bonds forged during the contest and to let their passion for Mathematics ignite a fire within them that would burn bright throughout their lives.
The Meru School National Mathematics Contest was not just a competition but a celebration of the unity of Mathematics. The contest brought together students from diverse backgrounds, united by their love for numbers and their dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. As they departed, they carried with them not only memories of the contest but also a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to continue their mathematical journey with zeal and enthusiasm.

The University’s support for the event extended beyond participation. Meru University of Science and Technology proudly sponsored the contest by providing trophies, certificates, and branded university souvenirs. These tokens of appreciation not only added to the prestige of the event but also served as tangible reminders of the participants’ achievements and the University’s commitment to fostering excellence in mathematics education.

Prof. Romanus Odhiambo is a Professor of Mathematics and Statistics and is a member of the International Biometric Society (IBS), Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS), Kenya Inter-University Association of Mathematicians and Computer Scientists and Specialized Committee of Science Education in East Africa coordinated by Inter University Council of East Africa (ICUEA).