Nigeria is to host the maiden African Olympiad in Informatics (AOI) in 2009, Prof. Sam Ale, director-general of the National Mathematical Center said in Abuja on Monday, acccording to Xinhua.
Ale said Nigeria was granted the hosting right at the end of this year's International Olympiads in Informatics (IOI) in Greece.
"It is gratifying to inform you that the last IOI turned out to be a stage for the conception and birth of the AOI and the enlistment of Nigeria as the organizer and of course, the host of its maiden edition in 2009," he was quoted as saying by the official News Agency of Nigeria.
"The new crown being placed on the NMC is a breakthrough of immense dimension because it places the center in the same position as the African Mathematical Union," he said.
Ale said the new role would also enhance the country's profile internationally, considering the importance of Information Technology in the world today.
"The big names in computer science, mathematics and the sciences from four corners of the world will assemble in Abuja as visitors to the center. I am sure we will not fail in our bid to ensure successful hosting of the Olympiad," he said.
Ale said the center successfully conducted the 2008/2009 Nigerian National Olympiad in mathematics in all the 36 states and the FCT this year.
According to him, Nigeria also conducted the second round of the Nigerian Olympiad examinations in the country in order to encourage and support activities leading to the improvement of the teaching and learning of mathematical sciences.
Training workshops for teachers using text books and other teaching aids designed by the center are also organized by relevant bodies in Nigeria.