Danjuma Rose Uwanassara, a dedicated Mathematics lecturer at the Kaduna State College of Education, is revolutionizing the way people learn mathematics through social media. With a strong academic foundation, holding a degree in Mathematics from the University of Lafia and a Master from the University of Kaduna State University (KASU), Rose’s passion for teaching began at an early age.
At just 14, Rose found joy in helping others understand mathematics, teaching her peers and community members after school. That love for teaching has never faded. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when classrooms were closed and many people were stuck at home, Rose saw an opportunity to bring education online. She founded the School of Mathematics, Nigeria (SOMNG), leveraging platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube to reach a global audience. Since its inception, SOMNG has grown to teach over 150,000 students and amassed a following of over 200,000 across social media.
When asked why she chose to start teaching mathematics online, Rose explained that her desire to teach was ingrained from a young age. During the pandemic, she realized that people had the time but lacked productive activities. This inspired her to launch SOMNG, bringing mathematics lessons directly to people’s screens.
Rose dispels common misconceptions about mathematics, emphasizing that the subject is often seen as difficult from the start. However, she believes mastering the formulas, understanding the processes, and knowing the laws of different mathematical topics are the keys to success. Her approach has encouraged not just women but men as well, who often see her achievements and feel motivated to improve their own mathematical skills.
Since her debut on social media, Rose has received numerous job offers from global companies, particularly in the tech industry. However, she has declined many of these opportunities, feeling that the timing wasn’t right for her.
Rose is also a strong advocate for focusing on algebra, stating that it is the foundation of many other areas of mathematics. She explains algebra as a concept involving constants (numbers that do not change) and variables (alphabets that can change), and stresses that without a solid understanding of algebra, solving mathematical problems becomes challenging.
When asked if she hopes her children will follow in her mathematical footsteps, Rose smiles and shares that she believes in allowing her children to pursue their own passions, whatever they may be.
Rose Danjuma is not just changing the narrative around mathematics education in Nigeria but is also inspiring people globally with her innovative approach and commitment to teaching.