Imoni Advocates for Mathematics in Nigeria's Development

On [date not specified], Professor Sundai Obomeviekom Imoni delivered the 40th inaugural lecture at the Federal University Lokoja, where he called on the federal government to recognize the strategic importance of mathematics in addressing Nigeria's socio-economic challenges. He highlighted the mixed outcomes of Nigeria's development since independence and stressed that scientific advancements are crucial for sustainable progress.

Imoni advocated for strengthening mathematics education, emphasizing the need for qualified teachers, modern teaching tools, and competitive problem-solving programs to enhance students' analytical skills. He criticized the poor state of educational infrastructure, including inadequate libraries and laboratories, which hinder research and learning.

He urged increased investment in modern facilities and the establishment of shared research centers across Nigeria. Furthermore, Imoni called for collaboration between academia, industry, and government to ensure that mathematical research addresses real-world problems.

He also pointed out the scarcity of locally relevant academic materials and urged support for Nigerian scholars to produce high-quality textbooks tailored to the country's curriculum.