IPSF 2025

Prof. Masilo France Machaba is a renowned South African scholar in Mathematics Education. He currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Mathematics Education at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Prof. Machaba holds a Doctorate in Mathematics Education from Tshwane University of Technology and is an NRF C2-rated researcher. His work focuses on learners’ misconceptions in mathematics, the use of everyday contexts in mathematics teaching, and the pedagogical relationship between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy. Prof. Machaba has published widely in accredited journals and has made significant contributions to improving mathematics education and teacher development in South Africa.

Prof. Oluwole Daniel Makinde is a world-renowned Professor of Applied & Computational Mathematics, currently based at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Military Science (and formerly senior professor at CPUT and University of Limpopo). He earned his PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Bristol (1996), after completing his BSc and MSc in Nigeria. 

With a prolific publication record of over 500 peer-reviewed papers and more than a dozen authored or edited advanced textbooks, Prof. Makinde excels in areas such as fluid mechanics, heat/mass transfer, nanofluid dynamics, mathematical biology, and computational modeling. He has supervised over 40 PhD students and hundreds of MSc/BSc candidates across Africa

Prof. Martin Ntwaeaborwa is a distinguished physicist and materials scientist renowned for his work on luminescent materials and nanotechnology. He is the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the Sol Plaatje University, South Africa, with a strong record of research publications and postgraduate supervision. Prof. Ntwaeaborwa is internationally recognized for advancing phosphor materials for lighting and display technologies. As a dedicated academic leader and mentor, he has contributed significantly to developing science and innovation on the continent, making him an inspiring choice as our keynote speaker.

Prof. Motlalepula Rebecca Mhlongo is a South African physicist and the Head of the Department of Physics at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, where she also obtained her PhD in Physics. Her doctoral research focused on condensed matter physics, particularly the synthesis and characterization of luminescent and mixed-phase materials such as ZnAl₂O₄/ZnO/SrAl₂O₄ doped with rare-earth ions, using sol-gel and chemical bath deposition methods. Prof. Mhlongo’s current research interests include the development of nanophosphors and luminescent materials for advanced optical applications, as well as materials for energy storage such as lithium-ion battery cathodes. In addition to her research, Prof. Mhlongo is a dedicated educator and mentor, having supervised numerous Honours and MSc students, several of whom have achieved distinctions and national recognition for their work. She is also a strong advocate for increasing the participation of women in physics and often highlights the challenges and opportunities of leadership in academia, particularly in addressing the socio-economic factors that affect student success. Through her leadership, mentorship, and research, Prof. Mhlongo continues to make a significant contribution to the advancement of physics and materials science in South Africa.

Prof. Surjeet Singh Chauhan is a seasoned academic and researcher with over 24 years of experience in teaching, research, and administration. He currently serves as the Director of the University Institute of Sciences at Chandigarh University, India. His research interests encompass Fixed Point Theory, Fuzzy Set Theory, Operations Research, and their real-life applications. Prof. Chauhan has authored more than 110 research papers in esteemed international and national journals and conferences. He has also published over 8 books and book chapters and holds 3 patents. An active contributor to the academic community, making him an inspiring choice as our keynote speaker.

Prof Samuel Olumide Adesanya is affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Redeemer's University, Nigeria. He obtained his BSc and MSc degrees from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, in 1998 and 2007, respectively. He received his PhD in Mathematics from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria in 2012. He is the current head of the department. His research includes combustible non-Newtonian fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer. He is also interested in the development of numerical and computational techniques for solving nonlinear differential equations arising from nonlinear chemical kinetics. He has published articles in his chosen research area and attended international conferences.