By MAYOWA OKEKALE
Dignitaries from walks of life, including the academia, were
gathered at the Trenchard hall of the University of Ibadan early this week to
launch and raise the fund for the proposed Adegoke Olubummo International
Mathematical Center, conceived in post-humous honour of Nigeria's first Professor of Mathematics, Adegoke Olubummo.
In his opening remark, the Vice Chancellor of the
University, Professor Isaac Adewole, explained that the event was unique as it
showcases an icon and first Professor of Mathematics in Nigeria, who had done a
lot in the discipline which most people like to dread.
According to him, the idea of establishing International
Mathematical Centres in citadels of learning is global, adding that the premier
university is only attempting a replica.
"We are copying this initiative because we believe it
is the way it's being done in the developed world. Also, we have to imitate
good things and use them for our own benefits and development".
Stressing the importance of the proposed centre, Adewole
said, the it will derive support and nutrition for the university community,
and also train people in the area of mathematics and Engineering respectively.
"In this country, we can only be developed through
plans and calculations, and that is why the centre would be instituted to look
into the challenges surrounding these aspects and assists our students in the
right attitude of getting data and figures to developing the society and
country at large," he said.
In his inaugural speech, the Vice President of Nigeria,
Architect Namadi Sambo, represented by Chairman, Tertiary Education Trust Fund
(TETFUND), Dr. Musa Babayo, remarked that the University of Ibadan deserves to
be commended for the noble initiative, saying that is why the institution is
synonymous with excellence and dignity in the face of the world.
"Today's event is also supported by the administration
of President Goodluck Jonathan, to improve the needed research and teaching of
mathematics as the time would not have come better than now. More so, it is a
laudable achievement which would go a long way in providing adequate training
for staff and students, so as to be able to use mathematical science to solve
our daily problems in the nation. Therefore, it must meet national standard,"
he added.
Sambo, however, called on well-meaning Nigerians to
generously donate to the initiative as government alone cannot provide
everything needed for its sustainability.
While reading the profile of the Late Professor Adegoke
Olubummo, the Head, Department of Mathematics, University of Ibadan, Professor
Ezekiel Ayoola, said: "The Orin-Ekiti indigene had established locally, a
respectable tradition of good Functional analysis in Nigeria in general, and in
Ibadan in particular".
He said that the centre would focus on excellence in the mathematical
sciences, reaching across the discipline, and out to other disciplines.
“It shall provide opportunities for students and
postdoctoral fellows to interact with leading researchers in the mathematical
sciences and other disciplines”, he stressed.
Professor Olabisi Ugbebor of the Department of Mathematics,
University of Ibadan, in her goodwill message, described the honoree as a
thorough teacher and supervisor, saying he teaches with simplicity and
moderation.
She further described him as a simple Nigerian who believed
in his students’ ability, and who was always contented with what he had. In her
words: “this honour is long overdue to the first Professor of Mathematics in
Nigeria. I hope and pray that this centre will become an oasis for those searching
for knowledge.
Speaking on behalf of the Oyo state Governor Abiola Ajimobi,
the state Commissioner for Education, Professor Solomon Olaniyonu, admitted
that mathematics, as a subject of value, must be given due attention if Nigeria
must develop technologically and scientifically.
He, however, expressed shock at the behavioral disposition
of students towards the subject, saying that it is quite unfortunate that
students have phobia for the learning and internalization of the subject.
Adding, he said: “I wish to assure you that in Oyo State, we
spare no efforts in order to promote the mathematics and making it teachable in
our primary and secondary schools. We shall continue to sponsor teachers and
students to attend workshop, with a view to exposing them to learning and
teaching of the subject”.
Also speaking at the event, the Ekiti State governor, Kayode
Fayemi, who was represented by Kehinde Ojo, asserted that: “the honoree, whom
also was a son of Ekiti soil, was a legend and great motivator to students.
During his teaching days, he goes to class without textbooks”.
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