The Governing Council of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja, has appointed Prof. Benjamin Oyelami as the eighth Director/Chief Executive of the Centre. This appointment was made after a rigorous selection process that involved assessments and interviews conducted by the Governing Council. The announcement was made by the Controller, Information and Public Relations of the NMC, Mr. Onyekachi Njoku, in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.
Prof. Oyelami, a Professor of Mathematics with specialization in Mathematical Modelling, boasts over three decades of experience in teaching, research, academic administration, and management. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Jos in 1988, graduating with Second Class Upper Division. He then proceeded to obtain a Master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Ibadan in 1991.
Prof. Oyelami’s academic achievements include a PhD in Mathematics from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, which he earned in 1999. His doctoral thesis was notably the first PhD research in Africa specializing in Impulsive Systems. Additionally, he co-developed the B-Transform Method, a significant contribution to the field of mathematics.
Prof. Oyelami began his academic career at ATBU in 1991 and progressed through various academic and administrative positions. He undertook a sabbatical at the NMC in 2002 before joining the Centre permanently in 2004. During his tenure, he has served as Coordinator of the Mathematics Programme, Coordinator of the Theoretical Physics Programme, and Coordinator of Academic Planning at the NMC.
In addition to his roles at the NMC, Prof. Oyelami has held several leadership positions, including Deputy Director/Chief Executive of the Centre, Head of the Department of Mathematics, and Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at Plateau State University. He has also served as chairman and member of various Senate committees and academic boards at ATBU, Plateau State University, and the NMC.
Prof. Oyelami was appointed Acting Director/Chief Executive of the NMC in February 2026, a position he held until his substantive appointment. He is also an ordained Bishop and a prolific writer, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Furthermore, he has participated in and spoken at several international conferences and has served as team leader of the Nigerian contingent to various international Mathematical Olympiad competitions.
With about 35 years of academic, managerial, and administrative experience, Prof. Oyelami brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. He is a member and fellow of several professional bodies, including the American Mathematical Society, Nigerian Mathematical Society, and Mathematical Sciences Association of Nigeria. He is also a Fellow of the African Scientific Institute (ASI), Oakland, California, and a member of the Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria.
Key points
- Prof. Benjamin Oyelami has been appointed as the eighth Director/Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC).
- He has over three decades of experience in teaching, research, academic administration, and management.
- Prof. Oyelami’s appointment followed a competitive selection process involving assessments and interviews conducted by the Governing Council of the NMC.
