By Jumoke Olaitan
The Governing Council of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja, has appointed Prof. Benjamin Oyelami as the centre’s eighth Director/Chief Executive.
This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Dr Onyekachi Njoku, Controller, Information and Public Relations, NMC.
Njoku said the appointment followed an assessment and interview process by the council.
He added that Oyelami, a Professor of Mathematics specialising in Mathematical Modelling, had over three decades of experience in teaching, research and academic management.
He said Oyelami obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Jos in 1988, graduating with a Second Class Upper Division.
According to him, Oyelami proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a master’s degree in 1991, before earning a PhD in Mathematics from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, in 1999.
Njoku said Oyelami’s doctoral thesis was the first PhD work in Africa specialising in Impulsive Systems.
He added that the professor also co-developed the B-Transform Method.
“Oyelami joined the service of ATBU in 1991, where he rose through the ranks and later undertook a sabbatical at the National Mathematical Centre in 2002 before joining the centre fully in 2004,” Njoku said.
He said the new NMC chief executive had served in various capacities, including Coordinator of the Mathematics Programme,
Theoretical Physics Programme and Academic Planning, as well as Deputy Director/Chief Executive of the centre.
Njoku said Oyelami also served as Head of the Department of Mathematics and Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at Plateau State University, Bokkos.
He said Oyelami had also served on various Senate committees and academic boards at ATBU, Plateau State University and NMC.
According to him, Oyelami was appointed Acting Director/Chief Executive of NMC in February.
Njoku described Oyelami as a prolific writer and author, whose works had been published in learned and peer-reviewed journals and textbooks.
He said the professor had also participated in several international conferences as an invited speaker and led Nigerian teams to international Mathematical Olympiad competitions.
“Oyelami is bringing 35 years of academic, managerial and administrative experience to the leadership of the National Mathematical Centre,” he said.
Njoku added that Oyelami was a member and fellow of several professional bodies, including the American Mathematical Society, Nigeria Mathematical Society and Mathematical Sciences Association of Nigeria.
He said Oyelami was also a Fellow of the African Scientific Institute, Oakland, California; a member of the Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria; and a Certified Management Consultant. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
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