The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, has announced the successful completion of a one-month pilot mathematics initiative aimed at improving problem-solving skills among Junior High School (JHS) students across the region.
The pilot project, which involved over 60 participating students, was conducted at WATICO Demonstration Junior High School throughout November 2026.
The initiative required each student to solve one mathematics problem daily, record their work, and present it to their teachers. By the end of the month, every student was expected to have solved 30 mathematics questions.
Speaking to the media after the exercise, Mr. Brentum noted that mathematics remains a major challenge for many students, yet plays a crucial role in their academic progress.
He explained that the initiative was designed to make mathematics more engaging while promoting consistency in practice—a method he described as “key to mastering the subject.”
The Regional Minister expressed optimism that the program would help improve academic performance and build students’ confidence in mathematics.
Mr. Brentum further revealed that as the pilot concludes, a committee will review the students’ work. Selected students will be invited to solve one of the questions in front of the committee as part of the assessment process.
He announced that the project will be rolled out to other Junior High Schools across the region in 2026, where the three best-performing students will be recognized and rewarded handsomely.
According to the Minister, the exercise is expected to boost students’ reasoning abilities, help them approach other subjects with ease, and strengthen their overall academic foundation.
He also disclosed plans to extend the mathematics initiative to Primary Schools and Senior High Schools, broadening its impact across all levels of basic and secondary education.
