By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN) has ended its 61st Annual Conference at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, with a renewed call for innovative approaches to teaching Mathematics as a tool for creativity, technology, and sustainable development. The conference also produced new leaders, with Prof. Emmanuel Olubayo Oghre of the University of Benin emerging as National President.
The conference, which brought together mathematicians and mathematics educators from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across the country, had as its theme: “Rethinking Teaching and Learning of Mathematics as Tools for Creativity, Technological Innovation, Self-Reliance, and Sustainable Development in Times of Economic Depression.”
Declaring the event open, the Vice Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Prof. Bashiru Garba, who chaired the opening ceremony, lauded the Association’s consistency in championing academic excellence and its commitment to national development through Mathematics.
In his welcome address, the outgoing President of MAN, Prof. M. A. Yushau, stressed the relevance of Mathematics in addressing real-life challenges. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Isah Garba Abor, who underscored the discipline’s critical role in solving societal problems, while Prof. Garba Shuaibu led participants in thought-provoking discussions on the conference theme.
Speakers at the event collectively described Mathematics as an “optimizer” and a silent engine of progress, powering technology, framing innovation, and guiding nations through uncertainty toward a sustainable future. They urged educators, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to foster creativity, technological skills, and self-reliance among Nigerian youths, particularly through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
The Association emphasized the need for government to adopt transformative strategies such as pedagogical innovation, investment in teacher development, integration of technology, and learner-centred curricula to build critical thinking and problem-solving capacity among students.
The conference also featured the Association’s Annual General Meeting, which produced new national executives. Prof. Emmanuel Olubayo Oghre, FMAN, a Professor of Applied Mathematics from the University of Benin, emerged as the new National President, while Dr. Suraj Sadiq, FMAN, was elected Vice President. Other elected officers include Magaji Yunana, LMAN (Publicity Secretary), Mrs. Igbokoyi Adeola Olukesoyi, LMAN (National Treasurer), and Mr. Umar Musa Oyeniga (Business Manager).
The Association expressed appreciation to the management and staff of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, under the leadership of Prof. Bashir Garba, for their hospitality and unwavering support in hosting the conference.
In a remarkable gesture, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, a Fellow of the Association, donated ₦2 million as cash prizes for winners of the National Olympiad and Quiz competitions held during the conference.
The academic gathering brought together scholars, researchers, and professionals that discussed innovative strategies for enhancing the teaching and learning of Mathematics in the face of economic challenges.
With its renewed leadership and clear vision, the Mathematical Association of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the power of Mathematics in building Nigeria’s future through education, innovation, and sustainable development.