The third (3rd) Occupier of the Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye Professorial Chair in Mathematics at the University of Lagos, Professor Temitope Gbolahan Jaiyeola, FNYA, has called for strengthened cryptographic research and deeper interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s innovation capacity.
Professor Jaiyeola made the call on Thursday, February 19, 2026, while delivering his public lecture titled “Algebraic Structures and Their Applications to Cryptography and Complex Systems ” at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, UNILAG. The lecture was organised by the University’s Office of Advancement in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Earth and Physical Science, UNILAG.
The Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye Professorial Chair in Mathematics was established in 2009 through a ₦50 million endowment by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adejare Adeboye, .
Mathematics as a Disciplined Way of Thinking
In his lecture, Professor Jaiyeola described Mathematics as a disciplined way of thinking governed by logical principles such as associativity. He explained that abstract algebra forms the backbone of modern encryption systems and complex technological frameworks, while algebraic structures underpin secure communications, digital infrastructure, and the modelling of complex systems.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Mathematics to national development, he advocated the institutionalisation of interdisciplinary research across mathematics, computer science, engineering, and related fields. According to him, innovation thrives at the intersection of disciplines.
Professor Jaiyeola further recommended sustained funding, increased global visibility for the Professorial Chair, and the creation of a dedicated online platform to attract international partnerships and external support. Sustaining intellectual initiatives, he noted, requires structured promotion and consistent investment.
Adeboye: A Fusion of Spiritual Depth and Intellectual Excellence
Chairman of the occasion and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, described Pastor Adeboye as a leader who exemplifies the fusion of spiritual depth and intellectual excellence. He noted that the endowment of the Professorial Chair represents a “seed of excellence” that has ensured continuity in scholarship and sustained global academic relevance.
According to him, Mathematics reflects divine order and remains central to innovation and national development.
Professor Ogundipe emphasised that the Chair holder bears the responsibility of advancing knowledge, mentoring young scholars, and demonstrating how Mathematics can drive development. He encouraged students to embrace the discipline with confidence, stressing that investment in Mathematics is an investment in the future.
A Vision Fulfilled
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Chair and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Oluwole Familoni, FAS , described the initiative as the fulfilment of a long-conceived vision. He disclosed that since its establishment in 2009, the ₦50 million endowment has supported the appointment of three distinguished professors.
Professor Familoni maintained that academic excellence must be sustained through competitive research, meaningful collaborations, conference participation, and workshops. He expressed profound appreciation to Pastor Adeboye for his generosity in endowing the Chair.
Doubling as representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS , Professor Familoni conveyed her gratitude to the donor, assuring him that the investment would continue to yield measurable impact. He reiterated the University’s commitment to strengthening scholarly collaborations and advancing quality research for societal benefit.
Support Assured
In his remarks, donor representative and Regional Pastor of Region 20, City of David Parish Headquarters of RCCG, Kayode Pitan, affirmed continued institutional support for the vision behind the Chair. He noted that leading a global institution requires deep intellectual capacity and assured the University of sustained backing.
The 3rd Chair Occupier’s Public Lecture attracted a cross section of dignitaries including academics, reseachers, and students. These include the UNILAG Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Yetunde Adekunle, FCA; Director of the Office of Advancement and former Registrar & Secretary to Council, UNILAG, Folasade Ipaye; Director, Directorate of Property Management, Development and Investment, Barrister Yetunde Ogunlewe who represented the Registrar, Mrs. Abosede Wickliffe; the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Lucian Obinna Chukwu; as well as Dean, Faculty of Earth and Physical Sciences, Olayinka Taiwo Asekun, FSCN, who delivered the vote of thanks.
Report: Afolabi Akinola
Photography: Ayo Oloyede
