THE National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Nigeria’s apex institution for mathematical research and training, is facing mounting criticism after it was revealed that it is financing the construction of a Sociology Department building at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – an initiative many say falls outside the agency’s core mandate.

According to the 2026 budget seen by Economy Post, the NMC is spending N210 million on the ‘New Department of Sociology A.B.U, Zaria, Kaduna State.’ No further information was revealed in the budget, but experts say the amount is obviously meant for the sociology department building in ABU. Prof. Promise Mebine is the NMC’s director-general/chief executive officer.

Prof Promise Mebine, CEO, NMC

It was not easy to get the reactions of the NMC on the matter. However, several projects in the NMC’s budget this year have little or nothing to do with learning mathematics. The NMC was created to “develop appropriate initiatives and resources of international standing for reawakening and sustaining interest in the mathematical sciences at all levels in Nigeria, and also as an adequate response to the dramatic decline in the production of teachers and specialists in the mathematical sciences at all levels.” At least this is what is found on its website.

Despite this mandate, the centre’s biggest budgets this year are mostly going to non-core areas that fall outside its major mandate. For instance, the NMC has budgeted N350 million for the “installations of renewable energy solar street lights in Iuleha, Ora, Ozalla And Sobe, Communities , Owan West LGA Edo State,” and another N350 million for the “provision of school supplies to primary schools in selected communities in the Federal Republic Of Nigeria.”

Also, the NMC is spending another N350 million on the “emergency provision of empowerment items to selected communities in Owan and other communities in the South and South-East of Nigeria,” and another N350 million on the “provision and installation of street lights in selected LGAs and communities in Edo-South, Edo-Central and Edo-North.”

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Furthermore, the National Mathematical Centre is spending N280 million this year on the “installations of renewable energy, solar street light in selected communities in Emai, Uokha, Otuo, Ivbiadaobi, Warrake and other communities in Owan East LGA, Edo State,” as well as N260.939 million on the “provision of solar street lights in Guri Federal Constituency Jigawa State.”

The NMC is also stepping out its mandate as it has budgeted N210 million for the “construction and renovation of 3 classroom blocks at Limi Yuwa Ward Lumbu, Gadarmaiwa In Kubu Yanma Of Ningi LGA, Marasuwa & Dagu Of Warji L.G.A, renovation of Danmadami Primary School Ningi West, Gidan Baki, Vura And Tiyin In Warji L.G.A all in Bauchi State.” This, ordinarily, is the duty of the Ministry of Education.

The MNC is also spending N245 million for the “supply and installation of solar street light at Koton Karfe, Gegu Baki, and Banda Of Kogi State” and another N245 million for “supply and installation of solar street light at Adankolo Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.”

Economy Post found that the mathematical centre’s biggest budgets are going to areas that are outside its mandate or areas that do not advance the learning of mathematics in the nation.

Abuja-based analyst, Dr Ume Odinkalu, described the NMC 2026 budget as a ‘sham,’ stressing that “the director-general of the agency should be summoned for going outside the mandate of the centre.”

“Many pupils are struggling to learn or even understand mathematics. Some secondary schools do not have math teachers. The level of failure of mathematics in public examinations is also an issue. Yet, the National Mathematical Centre, which should fill these gaps, is busy budgeting for constituency projects across Nigeria, leaving its core mandate.

“This is why I am always calling for a review of the budgeting system. Civil servants and politicians should no longer determine what the people want. The people should.”

An emerging markets analyst, Mr Ike Ibeabuchi, said the NMC’s busget was a ‘shame.’ He called the scrapping of the NMC and other similar government’s departments and agencies that serve little interest to Nigerians.

“The government of President Bola Tinubu should just scrap these agencies. They have no relevance to the common man.”e

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