A Professor of Mathematics Education at the National Open University of Nigeria has appealed to management to recruit more specialists in the field and pushed for the introduction of postgraduate programmes in the discipline. Professor Samson Sunday Afolabi of the Department of Science Education made the call while delivering NOUN's 41st Inaugural Lecture, titled "The What, Why, Who, How, When and Where: My Story in the Edifice of Mathematics Education."

According to a press statement by Omotola Ojudu, Acting Director, Media and Publicity, Afolabi described Mathematics Education as a transformative and learner centred discipline that drives scientific progress, technological innovation, and sustainable national development. He distinguished between a mathematician and a mathematics educator, explaining that the latter focuses on how mathematics is taught, learned, and applied to solve real life problems.

Afolabi disclosed that Mathematics Education ranks third in student graduation output among the seven undergraduate programmes run by the Department of Science Education between 2016 and 2024, a trend he said justifies engaging additional specialists. He also renewed his appeal for the establishment of Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programmes in Mathematics Education at the University, noting that proposals for both have already been submitted to management.

"My scholarly works justify Mathematics not merely as a school subject, but as a strategic instrument for personal empowerment, societal progress and national transformation," he stated.

The Professor presented a six pillar framework for strengthening the discipline through transformational pedagogy, experiential learning, technology integration, equity and systemic innovation, and noted that students' study habits affect academic performance in mathematics more than gender does.

"As many would say, Mathematics is the Queen of Sciences and King of Arts. How great a deal it will pay off if we elevate its status in our institution," he remarked.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Technology, Innovation and Research, Professor Christine Ofulue, commended Afolabi for his contributions to Mathematics Education and described the lecture as a significant intellectual contribution to national progress.