Researcher Advocates for AI-Powered Tools to Transform Mathematics Education and Combat Math Anxiety

By Ugo Aliogo

Dr. Lateefat Olanike Aselebe has spent years observing a persistent challenge in mathematics education: many students approach the subject with fear rather than curiosity. Now, following her participation in the 41st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Mathematical Society in May 2024, she’s championing an innovative solution that could reshape how students engage with mathematical concepts.

“We need to move students from phobia to fun in learning mathematics,” Dr. Aselebe explains, articulating a vision she presented at the conference themed “Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and National Economy.” Her paper on enhancing mathematics engagement with AI-powered tools reflects both her research expertise and her frontline experience as an educator working with students across multiple institutions.

Dr. Aselebe’s advocacy comes at a crucial time when artificial intelligence is transforming educational landscapes globally. Having recently completed training in Artificial Intelligence for Teaching, Research, and Community Service through the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education in collaboration with Nigeria’s National Universities Commission, she brings practical knowledge of how these tools can be deployed effectively in classroom settings.

Her perspective is informed by extensive teaching experience at Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, where she has worked as a part-time lecturer in affiliation with Ekiti State University since 2018, and at the Federal School of Surveying in Oyo, where she began lecturing in January 2023. In these roles, she has witnessed firsthand how traditional teaching methods sometimes fail to engage students who might otherwise excel in mathematics.

The research Dr. Aselebe presented at the May conference complemented another paper she delivered on assessing cooling systems for solar-powered automobiles using tetra-hybrid nanofluids. This dual focus—on both cutting-edge mathematical applications and educational innovation—demonstrates her holistic approach to advancing the field. She understands that mathematical progress requires not only sophisticated research but also a pipeline of well-trained, enthusiastic students ready to tackle complex problems.

Her recent publication in the European Journal of Training and Development Studies, co-authored with P.I. Farayola and K.O. Aselebe, explores pragmatic strategies for promoting undergraduates’ interest in mathematics as a discipline. This work, which she also presented at the Mathematical Association of Nigeria Conference in November 2023, outlines policy recommendations for tertiary institutions seeking to boost mathematics enrollment and engagement.

The timing of Dr. Aselebe’s advocacy is particularly significant given the explosion of AI tools now available to educators. From adaptive learning platforms that adjust to individual student pace to visualization tools that make abstract concepts tangible, the technology landscape offers unprecedented opportunities. However, Dr. Aselebe emphasizes that successful implementation requires more than just access to technology—it demands thoughtful integration into pedagogy and curriculum design.

Her technical proficiency in Python, Mathematica, and Maple, combined with recent certifications in machine learning from Stanford University and DeepLearning.AI through Coursera, positions her to bridge the gap between AI capabilities and educational needs. She envisions AI not as a replacement for human instruction but as an enhancement that can provide personalized support, immediate feedback, and engaging interactive experiences.

Dr. Aselebe’s growing body of research—encompassing thermal management, nanofluid dynamics, solar panel efficiency, and bioheat—also serves her educational mission. By demonstrating mathematics’ real-world applications in energy systems, biomedical technology, and engineering solutions, she makes the case that mathematical literacy is essential for addressing contemporary challenges.

As educational institutions worldwide grapple with declining mathematics interest and persistent achievement gaps, voices like Dr. Aselebe’s offer valuable guidance. Her message is clear: by embracing innovative tools and reimagining how mathematics is taught, educators can transform student anxiety into enthusiasm.