By By Ademola Ajao
PROF. Olusola Ayoola, a Professor of Mathematics in the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, has affirmed that mathematical sciences form the foundation of emerging technologies.
He made the assertion on Friday while delivering his valedictory lecture titled The Closing and the Opening Doors: An Account of My Academic, Administrative and Spiritual Experience, which was held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.
Prof. Ayoola stressed the need to highlight the role of mathematics in technological development, lamenting that its value is often underestimated by policymakers and technocrats.
“As a mathematical scholar, I have experienced, on many occasions, ignorance being displayed by ruling elites and technocrats concerning the usefulness of mathematical knowledge in development,” he said. “This has led to the poor recognition given to basic mathematical research in this country and elsewhere.”
He cited the lack of direct funding for mathematics research in the TETFund thematic areas as an example of misplaced priorities, contrasting this with the policies of the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and other European and Asian funding agencies that recognise mathematics as a priority area.
Prof. Ayoola emphasised that mathematical principles underpin algorithms, data analysis, and the very structure of technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and quantum computing. He noted that concepts such as optimisation, modelling, and simulation are crucial for improving efficiency and driving innovation across various sectors.
Highlighting the indispensability of mathematics, he said: “Mathematical tools are not just for specific applications in emerging technologies; they are the very foundation upon which these technologies are built.”
According to him, as technology continues to evolve, mathematics will play an increasingly critical role in shaping the future. He pointed out that quantum stochastic calculus, for instance, has found formidable applications in quantum information sciences.
Challenging fellow researchers, he urged: “Let me call on my collaborators and other interested mathematicians to explore research in the emerging fields of quantum ICT, which hold abundant promise for the future.”
He further explained that quantum information science and quantum computing are rapidly advancing interdisciplinary fields spanning mathematics, theoretical physics, computer science, and electrical and electronic engineering.
“These fields are already revolutionising our understanding of computation, information, communication, and even nature itself,” he added.
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