A university professor, Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola, has called on the federal government to invest in the mathematical sciences, stating that the field remains the foundation for emerging technologies.

Ayoola, who is the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Ibadan (UI), urged Nigerian leaders to make long-term investments in mathematics and education if the country is to be globally competitive.

In his valedictory lecture at the Trenchard Hall of the institution, Ayoola lamented the widespread ignorance of some top ruling elites and technocrats about the value of mathematics in national development.

This, he noted, has contributed to the poor funding of basic mathematical research in Nigeria.

Citing the complete omission of mathematical sciences from direct funding in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) thematic research priorities, Ayoola contrasted Nigeria’s approach with that of the United States National Science Foundation, as well as 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.

The university teacher noted that mathematical tools are not just supplementary, but are the very foundation upon which modern technologies are built.

“As technology advances, the role of mathematics will become even more critical in shaping our future,” he stated.

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 concerns over the country’s failure to develop robust capacities in these critical fields.

He warned that no nation can achieve technological development without a solid foundation in mathematics, noting that long-term planning and investment are crucial to reap the benefits of emerging advanced technologies.