I discovered my passion for mathematics when we were given an assignment and I could not sleep until I got the problem solved
Education
- 2009 – 2014 : PhD Pure and Applied Maths. Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
- 2005 – 2008 : M.Sc. Pure and Applied Maths. Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
- 1991 – 1995 : B.Sc. Pure and Applied Maths. University of Ilorin, Ilorin Kwara State.
- 1988 – 1990 : Advance Level IJMB. Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin Kwara State.
Professional experience
- 2018 to date : Senior Lecturer. Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State,
- 1997-2018: Asst. Lecturer – Chief Lecturer. Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, State, Nigeria.
Questionnaire
Your story with mathematics
Can you tell us something about your story? Why did you join the field of Mathematics? How did you discover your passion for mathematics? Or When have you decided to be a mathematician and why?
Mathematics was my favorite subject when I was in high school and I always took first position in the subject. I discovered my passion for mathematics when we were given an assignment and I could not sleep until I got the problem solved. I decided to be a mathematician when I was about to finish high school in 1988.
What fascinates you about Mathematics?
The confidence exhibited by my high school mathematics teacher whenever he is teaching the subject.
Has anyone influenced your decision to become a mathematician and how?
Yes, my high school mathematics teacher, by creating confidence in me, encourage me participate in inter-school mathematics competition. My University project supervisor, he taught me how to make good research in mathematics. And my research advisor who, encourage me on publication issues.
Has anyone supported you in your choice and during your career?
Yes, my parent and National Mathematical Centre Abuja, Nigeria.
Were there any specific factors that helped you succeed? Would you see it was easy for you to enter your field, and ultimately excel? What challenges did you encounter on the way?
Interest and determination. Yes, very easy with interest and determination. One of my challenges is how to understand very well some abstract aspects of mathematics like real analysis and so on.
What is the funniest or most memorable thing that has happened to you while working in mathematics?
My funniest moment happened when I was in high school. We were given home work and all members of my class tried to solve the problem. We couldn’t While sleeping on my bed I was thinking of solution and when got it right, I have wake my bunkmate up that midnight telling her I have just got the answer to my home work and I need to write it down on paper. I made sure I wrote it down on a sheet of paper and we both went back to sleep.
Career and Family
Do you come from an academic family? How does your family regard your career choice? Do you have kids? Tell us about balancing family life with work life?
No. My family regarded it as okay but not special. Yes, I have kids. I make precious and strict use of my time for work. I also try as much as possible to avoid overlap between both when planning. So I don’t find hard to manage both career and family.
Women and Mathematics
What were the biggest obstacles you had to overcome? Do you have anything else that you’d like to tell us about?
My biggest obstacle is understanding abstract mathematics. I felt bad the day I gave my student test, and they all failed the test. Repeat the lecture using a different method of teaching.
Tell us about the organizations for women mathematicians that you are a part of?
World Women in Mathematics, African Women in Mathematics and Nigerian Women in Mathematics.
Teaching mathematics, especially to non-mathematicians, can be a challenge. What is your strategy to catch and keep the attention of your audience?
Start by simple examples if possible.
Can you tell us about the applications of your research, if any?
All model real life problems can be solving via numerical method. I am into numerical analysis.
Conclusion
What are your biggest achievements, and what your biggest failures?
I have acquired good knowledge in mathematics but I have not impacted it enough. I have just gotten appointment into university were I could make use of my acquired knowledge.
Do you have a dream?
Yes. My dream is to be in a mathematical research institute.
If you had the option to give advice to a younger version of yourself, what would that be?
Be determined to do Mathematics well and be interested in it.