Celebration of 40 years

Celebration of 40 years as ‘voice of science’ in Nigeria The Nigerian Academy of Science, which was established in 1977, is the foremost independent scientific body in Nigeria and is dedicated to the development and advancement of science, technology, and innovation in Nigeria for the socioeconomic development of the country. For the past 40 years, the Academy brought scientific knowledge to positively guide policies/strategic direction of the country. In celebration, the Academy held a symposium on Tuesday, 14th of November, 2017 in Abuja. The symposium with the theme, “The evolution of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), and its role in the science-policy dialogue/nexus” gathered together Fellows of the Academy from all walks of life as well as policymakers, and other stakeholders.

There was an interactive session after a panel discussion which was chaired by the President of the Academy, Professor Mosto Onuoha, FAS. Members of the panel were Professor Gabriel Ogunmola, FAS, Past President of the Academy and Professor Marte Hussaini, FAS. Following the symposium, an anniversary dinner was held at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja. The Guest of Honour, Mr Donald Duke (former Governor of Cross River State) congratulated the Academy for achieving this milestone and wishes the Academy fruitful deliberations in hosting other African
Science Academies in the course of the week. Activities of the dinner included the presentation of awards for exemplary leadership to past presidents of the Academy, exemplary partnership awards to some partners of the Academy, and a long service award to the longest service staff of the Academy, Mr Nicholas Ibeh. In attendance at the dinner were Dr Jonathan Fanton, President of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences (AAAS), NAS Foundation Fellow and Past President, Professor Umaru Shehu FAS, and participants from other African Science Academies.