- His formal graduation from the renowned Russell Group institution with a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics honours the memory of his father, Joseph, and brother, Anthony, whose lives were cut short by Boko Haram Islamists
- Stands as a true testament to resilience, dedication, hope and an enduring human spirit
A Nigerian scholar has demonstrated remarkable resilience by graduating today from the University of Glasgow, despite the tragic loss of his father, Joseph, and brother, Anthony, to Boko Haram terrorists 12 years ago in his Kirchinga community, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
As a testament to his indomitable spirit, Dr. Ijuptil K. Joseph, the First-Class graduate in Applied Mathematics from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria, who spoke to Advocatus Africa on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony which held at the Robert Scott Hall on 1 June 2026, dedicated the special event to the memory of his father and brother adding that who he has become is “rooted in the foundation his father laid.”
David, Mrs. Gloria, Miss Jane, Dr. Ijuptil and Fr. Dyikuk shortly after the graduation ceremony.
He further lamented the tragic attack, stressing that he did not realise how much his father’s presence sheltered him until it was gone.
Advocatus Africa’s annotation and data analyst also paid tribute to Anthony, whom he described as “my twin brother from a different mother, my closest friend,” highlighting “the deep bond they shared despite different maternal backgrounds.”
Earlier in January, during their anniversary, Dr. Ijuptil shared that “the victims were killed without warning, leaving behind shattered families and unfulfilled dreams. He described his father as a disciplinarian who raised him with integrity, sincerity, and strong family values.
Dr. Joseph and his examiners and supervisor after a successful viva voce.
“You both left without saying a word. No goodbye. No final embrace. Just silence,” the Kirchinga-born Mathematician said, adding that what happened has left “a permanent scar on my life.”
The survivor is also a member of the team, having earned his doctoral degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Glasgow.
His research centers on the mathematical modelling of active fluids within a channel. He holds a Master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Ghana.
Dr. Ijuptil, his son David and wife, Mrs. Gloria.
His expertise lies at the intersection of data science, continuum modelling, fluid mechanics, and the application of mathematical modelling to address real-world human challenges.
He served as a Graduate Researcher and Teaching Assistant at the University of Glasgow, where he taught Mathematical Methods of Physics from October 2019 to September 2020.
Highpoint of the graduation ceremony.
As a widely published scholar, Ijuptil a proud member of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana Class of 2021.
He possesses advanced skills in data processing, evaluation, aggregation, and consolidation. His hands-on experience and expertise in computation make him a valuable resource for research and documentation at Advocatus Africa.
Happily married to Mrs. Gloria, a graduate of Law from the Taraba State University, Jalingo, they are blessed with a son, David.
Dr. Ijuptil is a devout Catholic who pays special attention to praying the rosary. He recalls “going from house to house as a Block rosary member in his Kirchinga community, praying the rosary.”
Mr. Ijabla (LR), Miss Jane, Fr. Simon, Fr. Ikpa, the celebrant and his family, Fr. Jalo, Fr. Dauda and Fr. Dyikuk.
The colourful ceremony was well attended by family members, some Nigerian priests in Glasgow and well wishers to were on hand to celebrate the young scholar who has defied time and circumstance to make Nigeria proud.
On behalf of Advocatus Africa, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable milestone! We wish you all the best as you embark on your exciting future endeavors. Here’s to new beginnings and continued success!
