A Professor of Mathematics at the Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Sunday Obomeviekome Imoni, has called on the Federal Government to elevate Mathematics to the status of a strategic national resource, stressing its critical role in solving Nigeria’s most pressing development challenges.
Delivering the institution’s 40th inaugural lecture titled “Ways to Wisdom: Progress in Numeric Methods for Oscillatory Systems,” Prof. Imoni highlighted the importance of numerical analysis in tackling complex problems across economic, environmental, healthcare, and technological sectors.
He argued that Mathematics is not merely an academic discipline but a vital tool for national planning and innovation, urging policymakers to embed its teaching, research, and application into Nigeria’s broader development framework.
“The Nigerian government should recognise Mathematics as a strategic discipline essential for national development,” he stated, emphasizing its relevance in addressing real-world challenges and driving sustainable growth.
Prof. Imoni further noted the importance of advanced mathematical methods in understanding oscillatory systems, calling for stronger investment in research and the development of reliable analytical tools.
He also recommended increased funding for Mathematics education, improved teaching infrastructure, and stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government to boost innovation and knowledge transfer.
In addition, he advocated for the development of indigenous textbooks and research materials to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in scientific learning and reduce dependence on foreign resources.
Looking ahead, the professor identified emerging research areas such as higher-order numerical methods, phase-fitted techniques, and the integration of machine learning into mathematical problem-solving.
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, commended the lecture and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to sustaining its tradition of inaugural lectures as a platform for intellectual engagement and knowledge sharing.
He praised Prof. Imoni’s scholarly work, describing it as a testament to patience and academic excellence, while encouraging him to continue contributing to the advancement of knowledge and national development.