Metro
Wondering Why Boys Do Better in Mathematics (Read)
A medical doctor, Afolabi Odunsi, has opined that the reasons boys do better in mathematics and sciences are because girls lack encouragement.
Odunsi, who was the guest speaker at the prize-giving programme of a mathematics competition organised by Ambassadors Schools, Ota recently, advised teachers to encourage girls to embrace mathematics and the sciences and take up careers in those fields.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Driving Social Change through Mathematics’, Odunsi said there was evidence-based research that girls had the cognitive ability to compete with boys in the sciences, if encouraged.
He said, “Among the past winners of this competition, only two were girls. Also, there were only two girls among the top-10. Science has found that the girl-child is not inferior to the boy. All the girl-child needs is encouragement and opportunity.
“About 30 years ago, 70 per cent of medical graduates were men. But with encouragement, it is now about 50-50. There is advancing knowledge of mathematics for the girl child, but it is still capping off at a particular level. Today, we may have a 50-50 ratio of male and female doctors, but when it comes to specialisation it is 70-30. Just about five per cent of spine surgeons in North America are females.”
The doctor urged teachers to encourage girls to embrace mathematics by motivating them and providing incentives.
“For teachers who are here, to improve their girls, create education projects; introduce females to role models who have excelled in Mathematics and emphasise positive values associated with careers in
Mathematics. Tell them about special incentives,” he said.
A total of 381 schools participated in the competition aimed at eliminating the phobia for Mathematics among primary school pupils. The top 50 participants, their teachers and schools, were rewarded with cash and gift.
Nine-year-old Aruna Omogoriola, of Giant Stride Nursery and Primary School, Ota, won the grand prize of N500,000.
He scored a total of 82 per cent from the three stages of the competition which featured written and oral speed examinations. His teacher, Mr Issa Moses got N150,000, while the school got a laptop, printer and plaque.
The Punch
The Federal government has issued a ban on using Naira notes for decorative purposes ahead of the 2026 Valentine’s Day celebrations.
The directive specifically targets activities such as making money bouquets, cash towers, and cake designs featuring banknotes.
Authorities say these practices violate Nigeria’s currency laws and will no longer be tolerated. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) described the trend as an abuse of the national currency, emphasizing that folding, spraying, or shaping banknotes for gifts and events constitutes defacement of legal tender.
“The Naira is a symbol of our nation and must be treated with respect,” the bank stated. “Using money as party decorations diminishes its dignity and public value.”
The government warned event planners, vendors, and individuals who engage in such displays that they risk arrest and prosecution under existing laws.
Security agencies and regulatory bodies have been directed to monitor parties, weddings, and street celebrations where cash sprays and money-themed designs are common.
Officials encouraged Nigerians to adopt alternative Valentine’s gifts, such as flowers, greeting cards, or packaged items, stressing that love and celebration should never come at the expense of the nation’s currency.
As part of activities marking its 14 years of transforming Nigeria’s real estate landscape, Adron Homes and Properties has unveiled 14 compelling reasons why individuals and families should consider owning property with the company reinforcing its commitment to accessible, stylish, and sustainable homeownership.
In a statement released by the company, Adron Homes described property ownership not just as an investment but as a strategic lifestyle decision rooted in long-term security, wealth creation, and community development. The company noted that over the past 14 years, it has remained consistent in providing affordable housing solutions while delivering well-planned estates that cater to diverse income levels.
According to the statement, Adron Homes’ success is anchored in its strong value proposition, which ranges from affordable pricing and flexible payment structures to prime estate locations nationwide. The company emphasized that its gated communities are designed with security, modern architectural standards, and structured infrastructure that ensure comfort and functionality for residents.
Adron Homes further highlighted its transparent documentation process and verified property titles, which have continued to boost investor confidence and encourage long-term property ownership among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. The company added that its developments are intentionally designed to promote thriving communities, environmental sustainability, and long-term urban planning.
With a proven track record of helping thousands of customers achieve their property dreams, Adron Homes reaffirmed its commitment to delivering high-value investments that appreciate over time while maintaining strong customer service support from initial inquiry to allocation and beyond.
The organisation also noted its culture of appreciation for clients, partners, and staff through consistent reward programmes and promotional incentives. This strategy has strengthened loyalty and deepened engagement across its growing customer base.
Reflecting on its 14-year journey, Adron Homes reiterated that its mission goes beyond selling land and houses; it focuses on building vibrant communities where families thrive, investments grow, and futures are secured. The company encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of its flexible ownership opportunities, stressing that the best time to invest in property is now.
As it continues to expand its footprint across Nigeria, Adron Homes remains committed to innovation, excellence, and redefining the real estate experience through sustainable developments that stand the test of time.
The Federal Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to suspend all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products.
The government also warned the agency to immediately stop sealing factories and warehouses over the issue.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Terrence Kuanum.
Kuanum said the order followed a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser, which raised concerns over the security implications of continued enforcement in the absence of a fully implemented National Alcohol Policy.
He said although the National Alcohol Policy had been signed by the Federal Ministry of Health in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, both offices insisted that NAFDAC must refrain from all enforcement measures until the policy is fully implemented and further directives are issued.
The government said such measures include factory shutdowns, warehouse sealing and public emphasis on the sachet alcohol ban.
According to the statement, the continued sealing of warehouses and what it described as a “de facto ban” on sachet alcohol products, without a harmonised policy framework, was already causing economic disruptions and posing security risks, particularly due to its impact on jobs, supply chains and informal distribution networks nationwide.
Kuanum said the position reinforced an earlier directive issued by the SGF’s office in December 2025, which suspended all actions relating to the proposed ban pending consultations and a final decision.
He added that the SGF’s office had also received a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control dated November 13, 2025, raising concerns over NAFDAC’s proposed enforcement actions and referencing existing resolutions of the National Assembly on the issue.
The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, raised concerns over NAFDAC’s proposed enforcement actions and drew attention to existing resolutions of the National Assembly on the issue.
The Federal Government said it was reviewing legislative resolutions, public health considerations, economic implications and national interest factors surrounding the matter.
The government said the involvement of the National Security Adviser showed that the issue had gone beyond regulatory concerns, warning that premature enforcement without coordinated policy implementation could destabilise communities, worsen unemployment and trigger security challenges.
It assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that a final decision would be communicated after consultations and inter-agency coordination, in the interest of public health, economic stability and national security.
