A professor of Mathematics at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Samuel Segun Okoya has stressed the importance of scientific predictions in mitigating the effect of environmental disasters.
Okoya gave the advice while presenting the lead paper entitled “Predictions based on mathematical models for national development” at the maiden International Conference of the College of Physical Sciences, held at the postgraduate school auditorium of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
Okoya said predictions based on sufficient data, and an algorithm on a supercomputer have helped many countries in America, Europe and Asia with advanced warnings of heatwaves, hurricanes, cyclones and tornadoes, giving communities at risk time to evacuate before disaster strikes.
Citing the earth tremor in September 2018 at Mpape, a suburb of Abuja, and another incident in November 2018 at Maitama District, also in Abuja, Okoya said, these events brought about significant challenges and devastating effects on people living around the affected areas.
He implored the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), to embrace long term earthquake monitoring, as events like these are highly preventable.
Okoya said: “In our general obligation to build a hospitable and sustainable society, we need to develop the necessary mathematical equations (models) of the environmental data and processes, and solve the mathematical problems leveraging on supercomputers of modest size today.”
He further added that the nation should expand knowledge in the science of combustion, for national development, being the oldest technology of mankind.
“Motivation for young Nigerians to study these scientific processes should be connected to getting functional knowledge around safe storage, handling and transportation of gaseous and volatile liquid fuels.” Okoya said.
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