Meet Dr Ahmed Audu Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

by Lorato | Aug 19, 2024 | All News, SMU Media

The impact of mathematics research on society is significant and far-reaching, resulting in many scientific and technological breakthroughs. Developments in physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering heavily rely on mathematical principles and models. Without the continuous advancement of mathematical research, the modern technological world would be impossible. Recently, Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PRF), Dr Ahmed Audu joined Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) to develop his career as an academic researcher in mathematical statistics under the supervision of Professor Maggie Aphane, Head of Department: Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. His fellowship is funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), a Nigerian government agency.

Dr Audu’s educational qualifications entail a Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics (University of Ilorin, Nigeria); Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Statistics (Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Nigeria); Professional Diploma in Education (Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria); and National Diploma in Statistics (Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru, Nigeria). He is a seasoned academic with extensive work experience as a Senior Lecturer, Lecturer, Assistant Lecturer, and Graduate Assistant at Usmanu Danfodiyo University.

His responsibilities include collaborating with other researchers. He is expected to publish, at least, five articles in the accredited Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) journal and work closely with principal investigators, professors, and other research staff members. This allows him to learn new techniques and approaches from more experienced researchers.

“Mathematical research leads to the development of tools and techniques that can be applied to solve complex real- world problems. These include areas such as weather prediction, cryptography, and virus modelling. The study of mathematics trains individuals to think logically, analyse problems systematically, and develop effective solutions. These skills are invaluable in many aspects of life, from personal finance to complex decision-making,” explains Dr Audu.

Understanding and applying mathematical concepts empowers individuals to engage meaningfully in discussions and initiatives that address global challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, and data- driven decision-making. Dr Audu’s areas of research interest are mathematical and applied statistics. He specializes in mathematical statistics, sampling theories and survey methods to be specific.

A solid foundation in mathematical statistics is essential for pursuing postgraduate studies in fields like econometrics, biostatistics, machine learning, and operations research. The analytical and quantitative skills developed during the study of mathematical statistics provide a strong foundation for further academic and professional development. His current students at SMU have a mathematics background with little exposure to statistics. As a result, he organised a series of lectures and presentations with them to bridge the missing gaps and he was overwhelmed with the speed of their understanding.

“I am currently supervising some postgraduate students in the department of mathematics in collaboration with some staff members of mathematics and statistics. I am training them in mathematical statistics especially sampling theory and survey methods. This will complement and enhance the existing research programmes at the university. The results of the interactions will also lead to discoveries, publications, and advancements in the field” enlightens Dr Audu.

Dr Audu said Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PRF), experience will lead to mentorship and guidance, development of new skills and techniques, enhanced publication record, networking and collaborations and exposure to diverse research environments. This is what motivated him to join SMU. He said the ranking of SMU among its peers in Africa and globally motivated him. “I am not a mathematician, but a statistician. Nevertheless, statistics is a subset of mathematics. So, I love mathematics. I found it easier to understand its concepts. I see logical thinking and problem-solving skills required in mathematics as an enjoyable mental exercise. The goal of any academician is to attain the apex rank of the career and I’m not an exception. But my focus now is career development through experiences and collaborations,” he concluded.

SMU Chancellor, Tito Mboweni meets with SMU Management

by Lorato | Aug 14, 2024 | All News, SMU Media

As part of engaging with various stakeholders of the University, the new SMU Chancellor, Mr Tito Titus Mboweni is on a “meet and greet” tour. It was on the 07 August 2024 when Mboweni, met with the Management, Labour and Student representatives, led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof Peter Mbati. This could in many ways be considered to be a historical moment. In the midst of the excitement in the room, as colleagues introduced themselves, in response to a colleague who appreciated the Chancellor’s culinary skills, he said “You’ll be glad that I did not prepare lunch today”, much to the laughter of the members in the room.

The meeting started with a brief reflection, led by Prof. Mbati, on the University’s achievements and future plans with regard to infrastructure, academic development, research and innovation, further reflecting on the organizational culture and the stability on campus. He further indicated the need to introduce new academic programmes and complementary staff to ensure the university’s financial sustainability.

But who is Mr Mboweni?
Mr Mboweni served as Minister of Finance and Minister of Labour. He was Deputy Head of the Department of Economic Policy in the African National Congress (ANC). He also represented the ANC on several domestic and international platforms. Furthermore, he was the eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). Educationally, Mr Mboweni obtained a Bachelor of Arts (honours equivalent) degree in Economics and Political Science from the National University of Lesotho in 1985. In 1987 he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia in England.

Currently, he is an International Advisor to Goldman Sachs International and chairman of the following companies: Accelerate Property Fund, Nampak Limited, and SacOil Holdings Limited. He is also a non-executive director at Discovery Limited and a founding partner of Mboweni Brothers Investment Holdings.

As a former Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Mboweni’s signature is still circulating with some of the bank notes in use to this today – a testament that he is one of the well-known public figures in our country. The meeting underscored the following, amongst others:

• A need to explore the possibility of bringing to fruition the establishment of a fit for purpose hospital, that could catapult the University to greater heights, particularly, in respect of its commitment to expand its clinical training platforms and research. In this regard, it was underscored that the current Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital is not adequate for the training of a large cohort of health care professionals at undergraduate and post- graduate level.
• The imperative to leverage networks that the Chancellor built over time for the benefit of SMU, including exploring possible international partnerships between SMU and other like-minded institutions, both on the African continent and other parts of the world.
• Unlocking resources from the private sector with a view to supporting the University’s research niche areas and other capital raising projects the University has identified for its built programme.
• Investment in the academic and research infrastructure of the University could not be over-emphasised, including the creation of research chairs in areas where SMU has demonstrated remarkable strength over the years.

As the meeting concluded, it become clear that there is a need for SMU to identify key catalytic projects to ensure a focused approach to academic, infrastructure development, partnerships and resource mobilization to ensure its sustainability. Given the ease and effortlessness with which Mboweni shared his professional experience both in the public and private sector, SMU could not have appointed an excellent Chancellor. His knowledge of the Higher Education sector, and the possible interfaces it might need to deliberately create, was a demonstration of his pragmatic approach to issues. His ability to hold simultaneously in his thought processes that (i) contradictions are an inherent mechanism in the advancement of social change and (ii) the resources that universities need are largely in the hands of private capital, was a masterstroke. It was emphasized that public and private sectors in South Africa must work together, for the greater good of our country.