Mathematics

A Professor of Mathematics, Prof. Ibijiola joined the Department during the 2002/2003 Academic Session and chaired the Department for the 2003/2004 Academic Session. The Professor withdrew his service from the University at the end of that session.

The Department started with a Laboratory hosting only four (4) computer systems and later had two main Laboratories: A and B with 13 and 24 computer systems respectively. The full-time staff strength of the Department then was spread around the three (3) Units (Options) with a Visiting Professor from the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, Prof. Peter Onumanyi. To meet the challenges of new session, another Professor was offered a sabbatical appointment and two (2) other Senior Academic Staff on visiting status.

As the three Units grew, the need to have three separate departments arose. Consequently, a proposal for splitting of the Department of Mathematical Sciences into full-fledge three (3) separate departments was forwarded to the University Senate and an approval was granted. In order to formally operate as three (3) separate departments, the Management forwarded the proposal for splitting of the Department of Mathematical Sciences programmes into three separate departments: Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics to the National Universities Commission (NUC). Consequently, the NUC Resource Assessment Visit for the Proposed Academic Programmes was carried out, and approval to establish the full-time mode of the undergraduate academic programme(s) to be run on the Main Campus of the University with effect from 2017/2018 Academic Session was granted by the NUC on 22^nd November, 2017. The Department of Mathematics after given birth to two other departments is now on its own.

 The Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at Nasarawa State University, Keffi strives to give to the students a high-quality education in the mathematical sciences. The Department offers B.Sc. programmes in Mathematics. Each of these areas further provides concentration in sub-areas that students may choose from depending on their interest. The Department serves the needs of the students throughout Nigeria by offering programmes that prepare them with applied knowledge and practical skills in the Mathematical Sciences. It also promote critical thinking, creative problem solving and helps them develop effective communication and entrepreneurial skills.

As part of this mission, the lecturers engage in applied, integrative, collaborative and pedagogical scholarship.

Mathematics, of course is at the core of science and the bedrock of scientific development. The B.Sc. degree programme in Mathematics is designed with core courses which provide breadth and depth in the field together with well-structured applied component. The programme includes courses in statistics, physics, chemistry, computer science as well as general education requirement in the humanities

Core courses for the B.Sc. programme in Mathematics include Abstract Algebra, Real analysis, Topology, Functional analysis, Ordinary differential equation and Numerical analysis. The programme is so structured that it strikes a balance between theoretical core courses covering in large part Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. The Mathematics curriculum in the Department of Mathematics is designed to give students a very strong foundation in every area of mathematics and prepare them for future success in graduate school as well as in industry.

List of Head of Departments (from 2002 – till date)

1. Prof. J. Fatokun (2002)
2. Prof. Ibijola (2003)
3. Prof. J. Fatokun (2003 – 2006)
4. Prof. A.R. Kimbir (2007- 2009)
5. Prof. Shehu Farinwata (2009 – 2010)
6. Prof. J. O. Fatokun (2010 – 2012)
7. Prof. N. N. Agu (2012 – 2014)
8. Prof. M. B. Hammawa (2015 – 2016)   
9. Dr.. H. K. Oduwole (2016 – 2017)
10. Prof. M. Y. Balla
11. Prof. M. A. Umar (2019 – till date)