Kogi State University, Kabba (KOSU), is moving towards a partnership with the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja, to expand research opportunities and strengthen the teaching of Mathematics and related disciplines.
The proposed collaboration covers Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Climate Modelling and Computational Mathematics, alongside specialised training for staff and practical learning opportunities for students.
KOSU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor K. I. T. Eniola, presented the proposal to the Centre on August 3, 2026. Both institutions are expected to formalise the arrangement through a Memorandum of Understanding.
Joint Research, Training and Student Placements
Under the proposal, the institutions would undertake joint research projects and organise workshops and training programmes to develop academic and technical expertise.
Student exchanges and placements under the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) also form part of the proposed arrangement.
The collaboration would extend to secondary schools through Mathematics competitions and public lectures designed to encourage interest in the subject.
Presenting the proposal, Eniola described the National Mathematical Centre as an experienced institution whose guidance would support KOSU’s pursuit of academic excellence.
He expressed concern about declining interest in Mathematics among secondary school students and called for coordinated efforts to improve how the subject and other sciences are taught.
The focus on research and specialist skills adds to wider discussions about higher education development in Kogi, including plans for teaching and student facilities at CUSTECH and engagements on tertiary education development in the North-Central region.
NMC Signals Readiness to Collaborate
Responding, the NMC Director and Chief Executive, Professor Benjamin Oyelami, assured the university of the Centre’s willingness to collaborate.
He outlined its five core mandates as advanced research, training and high-level manpower development, talent identification and human capacity development, outreach, and the production of industrial materials.
Oyelami said the Centre promotes scientific talent through national and international Olympiads and prepares Nigerian students for global competitions in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Informatics.
He also highlighted efforts to modernise Mathematics education through Data Science, Machine Learning, Coding, Rural Networking and Ethno-mathematics, with an emphasis on demonstrating the subject’s relevance to culture and everyday activities.
The proposed work in Data Science and Machine Learning reflects growing interest in specialist digital skills, also highlighted in youth-focused discussions on artificial intelligence and technology policy.
Outreach to Encourage Interest in Mathematics
For KOSU, the planned secondary-school competitions and public lectures would provide opportunities to engage younger learners before they enter higher education.
That outreach would complement other education-focused activities in the state, including initiatives supporting education and youth development. Specialist science education has also received attention through the renewable energy college inaugurated in Kogi.
Eniola reaffirmed the university’s commitment to making the partnership productive, while Oyelami said steps would be taken to formalise it through an MoU.
The proposed agreement would provide a framework for collaborative research, staff development, student placements and outreach aimed at strengthening Mathematics and science education.
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