The Mathematical Sciences cluster in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences cluster recently hosted a general lecture on curriculum transformation, with Prof Overtoun Jenda from the Auburm University, USA, as guest speaker. The venue was the Plant Sciences Auditorium at the University of Pretoria (UP).

The title of the lecture was Towards STEM Curriculum Transformation in African Universities. It emphasised the importance of Continual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curricula development as it is needed to deliver graduates capable of relating to local societal and industrial needs as well as skills to effectively compete in the global scientific community. On the one hand, the lecture addressed the challenging balance between curriculum transformation needs while, on the other hand, maintaining curriculum standards and rigor.

Prof Jenda obtained his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Chancellor College, at the University of Malawi. In 1977 he moved to the USA to pursue his graduate studies at the University of Kentucky, earning his PhD in 1981 under the supervision of Prof Edgar Enochs. He then returned to Chancellor College, where he was a lecturer (assistant professor) for three years. He moved to the University of Botswana for another three-year stint as a lecturer before moving back to the University of Kentucky as a visiting assistant professor in 1987. In 1988he joined the Algebra research group at Auburn University.