The Academia and industry experts have voiced out concerns over the recent controversial Federal Government national policies and decision to set 18 years as the minimum age for students to sit for the ordinary level, West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations.
This disclosure was made by Prof. Johnson Olaleru during the international conference on Applying Mathematical Sciences and Optimization hosted by the Department of Mathematics, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State.
Prof Olaleru,a mathematics expert of the University of Lagos opined that the new policy would impact negatively on the academic progression of the young generation of Nigerians.
The conference, which centred on the theme “Applying Mathematical Research for the 4th Industrial Revolution,” saw participants emphasizing the critical role of mathematical research in solving global challenges and driving technological innovation.
Prof. Olaleru further added that the new policy lacks a scientific basis and could hinder the Educational progress of many young Nigerians.
“National policies should be based on scientific analysis of data and projection,” he further opined questioning the rationale behind a decision that could delay the academic and professional advancement of gifted students.
He also took a swipe at the egg heads at the Nation’s Ivory Towers for failing to bail the nation institutions out of the near absence and huge electricity bills payable by the Universities to the Electricity Distribution Companies, while wondering why it was difficult for experts in the field of electricity to provide for other sources of power generation.
Various speakers raised concerns about the potential for this policy to force young students into a holding pattern, thereby stifling their intellectual growth and contributing to the ongoing brain drain from Africa.
The event, which brought together leading mathematicians, including Prof. Abdon Atangana, ranked the No. 1 Mathematician by Stanford University, underscored the importance of mathematics in the ongoing 4th Industrial Revolution.
Prof. Atangana highlighted the foundational role of mathematical Sciences in the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing.
“Every leap in the industrial revolution is just a discovery of mathematics applications in technology,” he stated, stressing that mathematical research is integral to the innovations shaping modern life.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, FWISON FASN FAIMP dfsin, who inaugurated the conference, echoed this sentiment in his opening address describing the 4th Industrial Revolution as a transformative period driven by mathematization, which enabled the harnessing of data, AI, and machine learning to address complex societal issues.
He noted that TASUED is committed to fostering excellence in research and Education, with the University playing a significant role in advancing mathematical research that is crucial for technological progress.
The conference also served as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, with experts calling for a stronger partnership between academic research and industry.
Prof. Adewale Roland Solarin, a member of the University Governing Council and former Executive Director of the National Mathematical Centre, emphasized the necessity of linking theoretical mathematical research with practical, real-world applications.
“A handshake between the town and the gown is a must to make our researches more application-centred as against the classical abstract researches without societal relevance,” he asserted.
In addition to discussions on policy and research, the conference featured a series of pre-conference empowerment workshops led by globally recognized experts.
These workshops provided participants with advanced mathematical skills relevant to industry needs, further reinforcing the practical value of mathematical research.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu was also at the event, he assured the participants of the Ogun State Government support, while imploring students not to shy away from the study of mathematics.
He applauded the organisers of the conference for a good job well done.
In his remarks at the conference, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, Prof. Promise Mebine disclosed that research can contribute to the development of innovative solutions and Technologies in the 4th Industrial Revolution with evidence-based proof for informed decisions to better the Nation.
He noted that the conference is a national assignment for scholars and experts to use “Mathematical Research” with the imperatives of mathematical tools to serve as building blocks and a roadmap to the 4th Industrial Revolution.
As the conference ended, it left attendees with a renewed commitment to advancing mathematical research and its applications, particularly in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Africa today.
The discussions and knowledge shared during the event are expected to have a lasting impact on both the academic and industrial landscapes, reinforcing the essential role of mathematics in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Participants at the event included members of the Academia and students from University of Lagos,University of Free State,South Africa;Federal University, Oye Ekiti; Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry,Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Lagos State University of Education, Epe; Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun among others.
