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…laments omission of mathematical sciences from direct TETFUND funding
Ezekiel Olusola Ayoola, the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and distinguished Mathematics scholar at the University of Ibadan, has urged Government to make long-term investments in mathematics and education if the country hopes to compete with developed nations, globally.
While saying that the fields remain the foundation for emerging technologies, he stated that “as technology advances, the role of mathematics will become even more critical in shaping our future,”.
Delivering a lecture entitled: “The Closing and the Opening Doors: An Account of My Academic, Administrative and Spiritual Experiences”, at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan,” Ayoola, alwho advised Government to invest heavily in mathematical sciences, noted “no nation can achieve technological development without a solid foundation in mathematics,” he warned, urging that “long-term planning and investment” are essential to reap the benefits of emerging advanced technologies.
Ayoola, a Professor, who made the call in his retirement valedictory and birthday lecture, lamented the widespread ignorance among some top ruling elites and technocrats about the value of mathematical knowledge in national development. This, he noted, had contributed to the poor recognition and funding of basic mathematical research in Nigeria.
Pointing to the complete omission of mathematical sciences from direct funding in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) thematic research priorities, Ayoloa contrasted Nigeria’s approach with that of the US National Science Foundation and leading European and Asian agencies, which invest heavily in mathematics.
“Mathematical principles are foundational to the development and application of countless existing and emerging technologies,” he said. “Mathematics underpins algorithms, data analysis, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, quantum computing, optimization, modeling, and simulation, all essential for innovation and efficiency across various sectors.”
The former Head of the Department of Mathematics emphasised that mathematical tools are not just supplementary but are the very foundation upon which modern technologies are built.
Ayoola also challenged young scholars to explore cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as quantum information science and quantum computing, describing these areas as revolutionary and rapidly advancing.
“These fields are transforming our understanding of computation, information, communication, and even the nature of reality itself,” he said.
However, he expressed deep concern over Nigeria, and Africa’s, lag in developing robust capacities in these critical fields. Citing corruption, under-investment, and poor treatment of scholars, Ayoola lamented that such setbacks have hindered progress.
He also faulted the lack of visionary leadership passionate about science and mathematical research.
Abel Idowu Olayinka, Professor and a former Vice Chancellor of the University, in his goodwill message, lauded Ayoola as a hardworking and dedicated scholar, congratulating him on his retirement and wishing him a peaceful post-academic life.
