Don decries neglect, dearth of mathematics specialists

Professor of Mathematics at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, (MOUAU) Umudike, Abia State, Dr. Donatus Igbokwe has decried neglect and dearth of specialists in general and core abstract mathematics, especially in the areas of Algebra, Analysis and Topology in the country.

He also said that abstract mathematicians find it extremely difficult to secure reasonable support for research and scientific activities because prospective sponsors of such research or scientific activities would want to know the immediate benefit of the research before giving their support.

Professor Igbokwe who disclosed this while presenting the 38th Inaugural Lecture of the university titled “ Fixed Point Theory; A Fascination And A Window,” urged government and employers to do the needful to reverse the scenario.
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Igbokwe said unfortunately, due to this lingering problem, many important results in mathematical sciences, especially in core areas like algebra and topology are not yielding to immediate applications.

He urged government, employers and stakeholders to lure postgraduate students of Mathematics to specialise in these core mathematics areas by giving them very generous postgraduate sponsorship and enhanced job status.