Faculty of Science · Est. 1962

Where Numbers
Shape the
World

The Department of Mathematics at OAU is committed to excellence in mathematical education, cutting-edge research, and the formation of world-class mathematical minds from Ile-Ife to the global stage.

Explore Programmes Our Research
60+
Years of Excellence
30+
Academic Staff
1,200+
Alumni Worldwide
MSc Mathematics Applications now open — Session 2025/2026
Annual Mathematics Colloquium — March 15, 2025
Prof. Adeyemi elected Fellow of the Nigerian Mathematical Society
Undergraduate Registration Deadline — February 28, 2025
Research Seminar Series: Stochastic Analysis — Thursdays 2PM
MSc Mathematics Applications now open — Session 2025/2026
Annual Mathematics Colloquium — March 15, 2025
Prof. Adeyemi elected Fellow of the Nigerian Mathematical Society
Undergraduate Registration Deadline — February 28, 2025
Research Seminar Series: Stochastic Analysis — Thursdays 2PM
Professor B. S. Ogundare, Head of Department
Prof. B. S. Ogundare
Head of Department
From the Head of Department

Welcome to the
Department of Mathematics

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the official website of the Department of Mathematics of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

This Department of Mathematics is one of the foundational departments in the University, established in 1962. It remains a principal stakeholder in achieving the aspirations and dreams of the founding fathers of this great University — Great Ife.

Over the years, the department has been and remains committed to delivering quality teaching, rendering good research, and serving selflessly towards the development of the community and the nation at large. At commencement of operations, the department ran two programmes — Mathematics and Statistics — from B.Sc. to Ph.D. level. Our graduates in these fields are our testament to the quality obtainable from this department.

Recently, in January 2025, the Council of the University approved the creation of a separate Department of Statistics from the Department of Mathematics.

This platform has been designed to serve as a central hub for academic resources, departmental updates, announcements, collaboration, and an alumni face to the entire world.

As the Head of Department, I am proud of our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the holistic development of our students — both undergraduate and postgraduate. I encourage all students, researchers, faculty members, and visitors to make full use of the resources and features available on this website.

Stay connected, stay informed, and continue to engage in meaningful academic pursuits.

Warm regards,
Professor B. S. Ogundare
Head of Department, Mathematics
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
About the Department

A Legacy of Mathematical Distinction

Founded alongside Obafemi Awolowo University itself, the Department of Mathematics has been a cornerstone of scientific and intellectual development in Nigeria. Our faculty are dedicated scholars whose work spans pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics.

We offer a stimulating academic environment that challenges students to think rigorously, reason precisely, and apply mathematical knowledge to real-world problems — from economics and engineering to data science and theoretical physics.

Our graduates have gone on to distinguished careers in academia, industry, government, and international organisations across the world, carrying with them the hallmark of an OAU mathematics education.

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// Euler's Identity
eiπ + 1 = 0

// Basel Problem
∑n=1∞ 1/n² = π²/6

// Cauchy-Schwarz
|⟨u,v⟩|² ≤ ‖u‖² · ‖v‖²

// Stokes' Theorem
∮∂Ω ω = ∫Ω dω
"Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe."
Academic Programmes

Degrees We Offer

From foundational undergraduate study to advanced doctoral research, our programmes are designed to develop rigorous mathematical thinkers ready for any challenge.

∫
Undergraduate · 4 Years
B.Sc. Mathematics

A comprehensive programme covering algebra, analysis, geometry, and applied mathematics. Strong emphasis on problem-solving and mathematical reasoning.

λ
Postgraduate · 1.5 – 2 Years
M.Sc. Mathematics

Advanced coursework and research in pure or applied mathematics. Specialisations available include:

  • Algebra & Number Theory
  • Mathematical Analysis & Functional Analysis
  • Differential Equations (Ordinary & Partial)
  • Numerical Analysis & Computational Mathematics
  • Fluid Mechanics & Mathematical Physics
  • Topology & Geometry
  • Mathematical Biology & Epidemiological Modelling
  • Graph Theory & Combinatorics
  • Fixed Point Theory
  • Reaction-Diffusion Equations

Ω
Doctoral · 3 – 5 Years
Ph.D. Mathematics

Original research contributing to the frontiers of mathematical knowledge, supervised by distinguished faculty with international research profiles.

Research & Scholarship

Areas of Active Research

Our faculty engage in internationally recognised research across diverse branches of mathematics and statistics, fostering innovation and collaboration.

ℤ

Algebra & Number Theory

Group theory, ring theory, algebraic number theory, and arithmetic geometry with connections to cryptography and coding theory.

ε

Mathematical Analysis

Real and complex analysis, functional analysis, harmonic analysis, and operator theory on Banach and Hilbert spaces.

∂

Differential Equations

Ordinary and partial differential equations, dynamical systems, fluid mechanics, and mathematical modelling of physical phenomena.

∇

Fluid Mechanics

Computational fluid dynamics, viscous flow, heat and mass transfer, magnetohydrodynamics, and reaction-diffusion systems.

∇

Numerical Analysis

Computational mathematics, numerical solutions to differential equations, approximation theory, and scientific computing.

G

Graph Theory & Combinatorics

Discrete mathematics, combinatorial optimisation, graph algorithms, and applications to network science and operations research.

T

Topology & Geometry

Point-set and algebraic topology, differential geometry, manifold theory, and connections to theoretical physics.

σ

Mathematical Biology

Epidemiological modelling, population dynamics, biomathematics, and computational approaches to biological systems.

𝜖

Solid Mechanics

Elasticity, plasticity, composite mechanics, phase change mechanics, and associated multi-field problems — bridging rigorous mathematical analysis with structural and material science applications.

News & Events

Latest from the Department

∑
Featured
February 10, 2025

Annual Mathematics Colloquium to Feature Nobel-Adjacent Research on Global Optimisation

The department's flagship academic event will host Prof. Chinwe Okonkwo from the University of Lagos alongside three international guest speakers to present breakthroughs in convex optimisation theory.

∫
Award
January 22, 2025

Prof. Adeyemi Elected Fellow of the Nigerian Mathematical Society

A celebrated recognition of over two decades of distinguished contributions to algebraic topology and mentorship of postgraduate students.

λ
Seminar
January 9, 2025

New Seminar Series: Stochastic Analysis for Complex Systems

Every Thursday at 2PM in the Mathematics Building, join staff and students for cutting-edge presentations on stochastic differential equations and their engineering applications.

Our Community

Department & Staff

View Full Directory
Prof. B. S. Ogundare
Differential Equations
Professor · Head of Department
Prof. B. S. Ogundare
Qualitative Properties of Differential Equations
View Profile →
Dr. A. S. Borokinni
Continuum Mechanics
Senior Lecturer
Dr. A. S. Borokinni
Continuum Mechanics & Strain-Gradient Plasticity
View Profile →
Dr. S. J. Olaleye
Diff. Equations
Lecturer II
Dr. S. J. Olaleye
Ordinary Differential Equations
View Profile →
Prof. S. S. Okoya
Reaction-Diffusion
Professor · FNMS FMAN
Prof. S. S. Okoya
Reaction-Diffusion Equations & Fluid Dynamics
View Profile →
Dr. I. A. Oguntade
Real Analysis
Lecturer
I. A. Oguntade
Real Analysis & Nonlinear Functional Analysis
View Profile →
Dr. B. T. Ishola
Fixed Point Theory
Lecturer
Dr. B. T. Ishola
Functional Analysis & Fixed Point Theory
View Profile →
G. A. Adetayo
Functional Analysis
Graduate Assistant
G. A. Adetayo
Functional Analysis & Locally Convex Spaces
View Profile →
Dr. S. O. Ajao
Epid. Modelling
Lecturer
Dr. S. O. Ajao
Mathematical & Epidemiological Modelling
View Profile →
Alumni
Legacy & Community

Our Alumni, Our Enduring Legacy

Since 1965, the Department of Mathematics has produced graduates who have gone on to distinguish themselves in academia, industry, public service, and beyond — carrying the torch of rigorous mathematical thinking across Nigeria and the world.

500+
Graduates on Record
60+
Years of Excellence
1965
First Graduating Class
∞
Impact & Influence
🎓

Academic Excellence

Many of our graduates have gone on to become professors, researchers, and academic leaders at universities across Nigeria and internationally, furthering the frontiers of mathematical knowledge and mentoring the next generation of mathematicians.

🏛️

Public Service & Leadership

Our alumni have occupied influential positions in government, policy-making bodies, and national institutions — applying their analytical and problem-solving skills to the complex challenges of governance and national development.

💼

Industry & Innovation

From banking and finance to technology and engineering, OAU Mathematics graduates are prized for their precision, logical rigour, and adaptability — making their mark in competitive industries both within Nigeria and abroad.

"The measure of a great department is not only the discoveries made within its walls, but the lives transformed and the communities uplifted by those who passed through its doors."

— Department of Mathematics, OAU Ile-Ife
View Full Alumni Directory →

519 recorded graduates · 1965 – 2008

Reach Us

Get in Touch

Whether you're a prospective student, researcher, industry partner, or alumnus, we welcome your enquiry.

📍
Address Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science,
Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
📞
Phone +234 (036) 232 000
✉
Email mathdept@oauife.edu.ng
🕐
Office Hours Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM WAT