The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Minna, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, highlighted the university’s commitment to academic excellence, knowledge advancement, and fostering innovations. He made this statement during the opening of the International Conference on Mathematical Modelling, Optimization, and Analysis of Disease Dynamics (ICMMOADD 2024). The conference, organized by the Math Model Research group of the Department of Mathematics, focused on “Contemporary Issues on the Controls of Diseases, Epidemics, and Pandemics.”
Professor Kuta, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Engnr. Prof. Abdullahi Mohammed, urged participants to engage in rigorous discussions, share research findings, and explore new avenues for addressing challenges in disease control. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation to enhance global health security.
In his keynote address, Prof. Promise Mebine, the Director/Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) Abuja, highlighted the significance of international conferences in fostering research and improving lives. He commended the Federal University of Technology Minna for providing a conducive atmosphere for the conference.
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The Chief Convener of the Conference, Prof. Niniola I. Akinwande, a member of the Mathematics Model Research group, noted that the conference was the first of its kind in the Northern part of Nigeria. He emphasized its role in encouraging mathematical researchers to disseminate their findings and showcase the university’s commitment to academic growth.
Various speakers at the event, including Prof. Mohammed Jiya, the Dean of the School of Physical Science, stressed the pivotal role of mathematics in health, disease control, and research. They also called for increased efforts to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers among students.
The conference aimed to provide a platform for researchers to share insights and strategies for disease control and pandemic management, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of mathematical modeling in addressing public health challenges.