By Sani Aliyu, Zaria
The 15th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the Nigerian Young Academy has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting research ethics and intellectual property protection, while calling on government, academia, and industry stakeholders to provide stronger support for research, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
In a communique issued at the end of the AGM held at ABU Zaria, NYA also pledged to intensify its efforts in mentorship, science advocacy and policy engagement in order to contribute meaningfully to national development.
It further stated that the Nigerian Young Academy remains committed to advancing science, policy and societal development in Nigeria and beyond.
The Academy expressed profound appreciation to Ahmadu Bello University, the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSCE), ACENPEE, distinguished plenary speakers, partners, sponsors, members and participants whose contributions ensured the success of the 2025 Assembly.
The Academy further reaffirms its resolve to continue fostering collaboration, capacity building and impactful research for national and global development.
At the close of deliberations, the Assembly resolved to strengthen the Academy’s role as a platform for young researchers to collaborate, network and innovate across disciplines.
The General Assembly successfully elected its 8th Executive Council of the Academy. The elected officers are: Prof. Temitope Onuminya (President), Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Bello (Vice President), Dr. Alfred Moses Oladele (General Secretary), Dr. Bartholomew Adeleke (Assistant General Secretary), Dr. Emelda Chukwu (Publicity Secretary), Dr. Ifeyinwa Obianyo (Treasurer) and Dr. Abdulmalik Salman Abdullahi (Financial Secretary).
Also in the council are Dr. Najeeb Ismail (Technical and Logistics Secretary), Dr. Oluwaseun Awosolu (Zonal Coordinator South-West), Dr. Suleiman Bello (Zonal Coordinator North-West), Dr. Esther Anosike Francis (Zonal Coordinator North-Central), Dr. Chikaodili Valentine Anadebe (Zonal Coordinator South-East), Dr. Samuel Omaji (Zonal Coordinator South-South), Dr. Peter Chukwunonso Okoli (ExOfficio I), and Dr. Abdul-Azeez Anjorin (Ex-Officio II).
Members and participants also showcased their research through oral and poster presentations. Awards were presented to Alaba Adewole Adebayo (Overall Best Oral Presentation), Cynthia Odili (First Runner-up), Rabiu Shehu Sa’ad (Second Runner-up), and Ugochi Judith Okoduwa (Best Poster Presentation).
During the conference, eighteen (18) new members were inducted into the Academy by Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo. They include: Engr. Dr. Esther Nneka Anosike-Francis (Nile University of Nigeria), Dr. Adedayo Oreoluwa Adewole (Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye), Dr. Afolabi Emmanuel Olabamiji (Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye), Dr. Temitayo Adenike Adeyemo (University of Ibadan), Dr. Opeyemi Babatunde Ogunsuyi (Federal University of Technology, Akure).
There’s also Dr. Adekunle Gregory Fakunle (Osun State University, Osogbo), Dr. Ogechukwu Ebere Ezim (University of Port Harcourt), Dr. Opeyemi Oluwafemi Ojueromi (Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan), Dr. Peter Ifeoluwa Adegbola (Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan), Dr. Mojisola Christiana Owoseni (Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State), Dr. Godwin Chinedu Uzomba (Alex Ekwueme Federal University in the team which includes Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State), Dr. Ajibola Abiodun Bayode (Redeemer’s University, Nigeria), Dr. Halleluyah Oluwatobi Aworinde (Bowen University), Dr. Deborah Olubunmi Aderibigbe (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso).
Others are Dr. Michael Oluwakayode Oni (Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria), Dr. Suleiman Bello (Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina), Dr. Chikaodili Valentine Anadebe (Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike), Dr. Ifeoma Eugenia Idigbe (Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos).
The Academy also presented its prestigious national young researchers’ prizes. The Prof. Friday Okonofua National Young Researchers Prize in Health Sciences went to Dr. Darlington Nnamdi Onyejike; the Prof. Aderemi Kuku National Young Researchers Prize in Mathematical Sciences was awarded to Dr. Sulaimon Femi Abimbade; and the Prof. Kayode Adebowale National Young Researchers Prize for Women in Chemical Sciences was awarded to Prof. Adejumoke Abosede Iyinbor.
