I never wanted to be a mathematician —Makinde, first OAU female professor of mathematics

<p>Professor Deborah Olufunmilayo Makinde, a native of Ibadan, is the first female professor of mathematics at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (OAU), and has attained a great feat that seems elusive to many women. The professor, who specialises in Complex Analysis aspects of Mathematics, speaks with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE on her journey, difficulties, mentorship, and family.</p>, <p>Mathematics is a subject many people avoid. As a woman, what is your experience on the field?</p>, <p>I did not envisage being a mathematician. . I initially wanted to be a medical doctor, but I was admitted into the education degree programme. Interestingly, at the point of admission, I was asked to take mathematics as a teaching subject. I had initially been quite determined to pursue my admission to a logical conclusion. As such, I had to practise mathematics intensely and I am happy to tell you that I performed excellently well.</p>, <p>Over the course of my undergraduate years, I found it very convenient to perform much better in mathematically inclined courses. I went for M.Sc. and PhD in mathematics after graduation and I had excellent grades in my MSc. programme which enabled me to progress to my PhD in complex analysis. The beginning was rough, but the end is worth the discipline.</p>, <p>Can you describe Professor Makinde in few words?</p>, <p>I was born on May 5, 1966 in Ibadan, Oyo State. I obtained Bachelors (B.Ed.) in Special Education and Mathematics from the Premier University, University of Ibadan in 1997. Thereafter, I obtained M.Sc. in Mathematics from the same University in 2000 and then bagged my PhD from the University of Ilorin in the year 2011. I am blessed with children.</p>, <p>What are the highlights of your profession aside becoming the rare female professor of mathematics?</p>, <p>They are so many. I have been a recipient of several academic accolades, among which are the CIMPA –UNESCO – MICINN – CAMERON School fellowship on real and complex analysis with applications (Buea 2011), The International