Prof. Abiodun Oyekan, a Professor of Mathematics, has advocated the deployment of mathematical modelling, data analytics and artificial intelligence for policy formulation and national development.
Oyekan, a senior lecturer in the department of Mathematical Sciences, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, (OAUSTECH) Okitipupa, Ondo State, made this known on Wednesday while delivering his lecture at the 14th Inaugural Lecture of OAUSTECH.
The Inaugural Lecture is entitled: “Where Functions Speak Order: Geometric Function Theory and Nigerian Politics”
Oyekan who also specialised in Complex Analysis/ Geometric Function Theory, stressed the need for government at all levels to increasingly deploy mathematical modelling in policy formulation and evaluation.
The don, a member of the Nigeria Mathematical Society (NMS) and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRC), described mathematics as a strategic foundation of technological and economic development.
He also described mathematics and geometric as a special discipline, noted that apart from teaching how to look beyond the mere existence of a transformation, it also examine uniqueness, distortion, stability and preservation.
According to him, government needs to encourage institutions of higher learning in the country to establish stronger interdisciplinary collaborations between mathematical sciences and computing discipline.
“Such collaboration will further generate innovative solutions to problems that are too complex to be addressed effectively from a single disciplinary perspective,” Oyekan said.
Speaking further on the title, the don, suggested the need for more funding and attention to the interdisciplinary research by researcher and scholars that capable of addressing problems facing the country.
While lamenting over the effects of poor government policies without the application of mathematics and artificial intelligence on the masses, he explained that decisions relating to education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, energy as well as security should be supported with mathematics and artificial intelligence.
Oyekan, also lamented low numbers of admission seekers who wishes to study mathematics and geometric in higher institutions, urging parents to always encourage their children to study mathematics, saying that apart from contributing to national development, it also assist decision makers to formulate policies that would assist the country’s growth.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the organisation of inaugural lecture was aimed at promoting academic excellent in the institution.
Ologunorisa, represented by Prof. Foluso Adetuyi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics and Research, reiterated his commitment to the advancement of the institution.
“Our administration will continue to support scholastic development and capacity enhancement in the move at taking the university to higher level,” Ologunorisa said.
The Inaugural Lecture was attended by staff, students, principal officers of the institution as well as friends and family of the lecturer among others. (NAN)