About NWM
About Nigerian Women in Mathematics (NWM)
The Nigerian Women in Mathematics (NWM) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the status and participation of women in the field of mathematics in Nigeria. The idea for NWM was initiated by Dr. Deborah Olufunmilayo Makinde from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, in 2008.
In July 2010, during the Pan African Congress of Mathematicians (PACOM 2010) held at the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja, she shared her vision of building a vibrant network to connect Nigerian women in mathematics. This vision aimed to promote research collaboration, mentorship, and outreach activities that would inspire and sustain girls’ and women’s interest in mathematics.
This initiative culminated in the inaugural meeting of NWM on July 8, 2014, at the Department of Mathematics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The event was fully funded by the Professorial Chair of Pastor E. A. Adeboye, Department of Mathematics, University of Ibadan, then occupied by Professor Olabisi Oreofe Ugbebor, who was also nominated as the association’s first President.
Since its inception, NWM has remained committed to supporting and promoting the participation of Nigerian women in mathematics by encouraging them to pursue advanced studies, supporting their careers in mathematical research, and advocating for equal opportunities within the mathematical community in Nigeria and beyond.
Our Objectives
NWM’s core objectives include:
- Fostering international scientific communication and collaboration among women in mathematics.
- Providing mentorship programs for female students at all educational levels.
- Organizing research seminars, colloquia, and outreach programs across Nigeria.
- Increasing access to grants, research funding, and socio-economic opportunities for women mathematicians.
- Promoting partnerships and cooperation with similar organizations locally, regionally, and internationally.
- Stimulating professional communication and networks among women mathematicians in Africa and the global academic community.
Key Milestones
NWM has organized several landmark events:
- Biennial Conferences: The first was held in May 2017 at the Department of Mathematics, University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Subsequent conferences took place at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2019) and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (2022).
- The Second Conference of West African Women in Mathematics: Hosted by NWM at the University of Ibadan in 2018, this event was preceded by a week-long School on Mathematical Finance. It was funded by the Committee for Women in Mathematics (CWM) and the University of Ibadan. The conference attracted participants and plenary speakers from within and outside Nigeria, with career talks and mentoring sessions for female students from various secondary schools.
Registration and Recognition
- NWM is officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria (Registration No: CAC/IT/NO 121337), with its administrative office based in Ibadan. The association continues to represent Nigeria at major international mathematics fora and champions initiatives that bridge gender gaps in the mathematical sciences.
Vision and Mission
Mission
To achieve its objectives, NWM
- may organize meetings, workshops, conferences, courses and seminars, arrange negotiations, disseminate a newsletter and other material related to its aims emphasizing the involvement of women.
- operate as a publisher, prepare proposals and motions, make statements, award grants and prizes, and represent its membership.
- may, according to the situation, act directly or co-operate with individuals or bodies having similar aims, and set up subordinate bodies for special tasks.
- will enhance opportunities and participation of NWM members in local and international conferences, workshops, short courses and Postdoctoral fellowships.
- will take initiatives for young girls to continue with their studies in mathematics.
- will PROMOTE outreach mathematical programmes or sessions to promote mathematics in schools.