Ajayi, First UI-made female maths PhD holder makes case for women in maths

""Life is often described as a beautiful journey." Mathematics is not only beautiful, but also captivating and intriguing, especially when presented by a charismatic and knowledgeable individual. In this case, we have the pleasure of learning from the esteemed Professor Deborah Ajayi, a seasoned and highly respected beautiful female mathematician of an international repute who publicly presented and explored the beauty and usefulness of pure Mathematics, a dreaded area for many still in years to come.

The University of Ibadan (UI) recently celebrated a significant milestone as it hosted its 549th inaugural lecture, delivered by the esteemed Prof. Deborah Olayide Ajayi, the first female mathematician with PhD produced by UI. This event, held at the Trenchard hall of the University on 25th day of April 2024, marked a historic moment as Prof. Ajayi became the second UI female Professor of Mathematics to deliver an inaugural lecture after the foot-step of Prof. Olabisi Ooreofe Ugbebor, the first female Professor of Mathematics in the premiere university.

The title of Prof. Ajayi’s lecture, “Exploration of Pure Mathematics: Convergence of the Abstract, the Beautiful, and the Useful,” encapsulated the essence of her academic journey and research interests. In her presentation, she delved into the intricate world of pure mathematics, highlighting how abstract concepts intertwine with beauty and practical applications.

Without exaggerating, Prof. Deborah Olayide Ajayi is a trailblazer in her field, having earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Ibadan. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to the realm of pure mathematics, garnering recognition for her groundbreaking research and scholarly endeavors.

During her inaugural lecture, Prof. Ajayi captivated the audience with her profound insights into pure mathematics. She elucidated on the convergence of abstract mathematical concepts with notions of beauty and utility, showcasing how these elements intertwine to form a cohesive framework within the discipline.

Prof. Deborah Olayide Ajayi’s inaugural lecture not only symbolized a personal achievement but also served as a testament to the advancement of women in academia. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence have paved the way for future generations of female scholars to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Ajayi made case for more women in science and particularly in Mathematics.

"Train a man, you train an individual, but train a woman, you train a nation!" was one of the concluding categorical statements of Ajayi as her words and speech in her lecture were occasionally beaming out with periodic smiles coming out of perpendicular magnitude through orthogonal directions as the seated congregation clapped interestingly from first order to the highest derivative of their hands' wavelength. Ajayi recommended training and retraining of more qualified individuals, including women, with adequate funding to ensure equality in Mathematics participation, a discipline that is almost left to the masculine gender.

"I am happy to inform you Mr. Vice Chancellor that we have produced 12 more female  PhD holders from UI Mathematics Department despite that the next female to bag a PhD in Mathematics after mine was 18 years apart", Prof. Ajayi momentarily disclosed.

In conclusion, Prof. Deborah Olayide Ajayi’s inaugural lecture at the University of Ibadan stands as a momentous occasion that celebrates academic excellence, gender equality, and intellectual pursuit in the realm of pure mathematics.

While concluding her lecture, Deborah Ajayi took turn to thank all teachers and personalities whose shoulder and wings she climbed to fly. She did not fail to thank her darling husband who is also an erudite Professor. Present at the inuagural lecture were the vice Chancellor, Prof K. O. Adebowale and his Management team, Prof. Godwin Ekhaguere, Prof. Samuel Ilori, Prof. Olabisi Ugbebor, Prof. Ezekiel Olusola Ayoola, all of the Department of Mathematics, many other notable professors in the university, guests, her family members and well wishers.

The Internet space too was not spared when thousands of Nigerians and non-Nigerians, who could not gain access to the event hall, stayed glued to their devices and television on zoom and YouTube to catch a glimpse of the beautiful professor making beautiful presentation on the pure Mathematics and its convergence.