NNMA and African Academy of Sciences Explore Strategic Partnership
The Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) and the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) are set to forge a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the recognition and promotion of intellectual and academic excellence across Nigeria and Africa. This was revealed during a recent courtesy visit by a delegation from the AAS to the NNMA in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Mercy Matilda Musa Moroá, Acting Secretary of the NNMA, expressed her enthusiasm for the proposed collaboration. She emphasized the significance of such a partnership, noting that the NNMA, a multidisciplinary organization, is dedicated to identifying and rewarding outstanding contributions to national development in fields including Science, Medicine, Engineering/Technology, and the Humanities, with a particular focus on Arts and Culture.
Mrs. Moroá highlighted the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) as the nation’s highest honor, conferred on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and contributions to national progress. Since its inception in 1979, the NNMA has awarded the NNOM to 79 distinguished Nigerians, among them the late Prof. A.L. Mabogunje, Prof. Oluwafeyisola S. Adegoke, and Prof. Anya O. Anya.
During the visit, Prof. Hilary Inyang, who represented the AAS Secretary General, underscored the importance of the collaboration between the two prestigious institutions. He invited the NNMA to participate in the upcoming African Academy of Sciences General Assembly Conference, scheduled to take place from December 8th to 11th, 2024, at Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja. The event is expected to attract nearly 1,000 dignitaries, including former and current African Heads of State.
Prof. Inyang called on the NNMA to play a leading role in the event and to consider co-hosting the conference with the AAS. He also proposed a collaboration with other stakeholders to establish a framework for the African Continental Research Foundation (ACRF), while noting Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to establish a National Research Foundation.
In addition to discussing the potential partnership, Prof. Inyang emphasized the AAS’s broad scope, which extends beyond the sciences to include the social sciences, humanities, and other innovative ideas for African development. He also advocated for increased government support for the NNMA, particularly in terms of funding, and recommended that members of Nigeria’s Body of Fellows be considered for appointments to the NNMA’s Governing Board.
The proposed partnership between the NNMA and AAS is expected to enhance the recognition and celebration of exceptional contributions to various fields in Nigeria and across Africa, further cementing the NNMA’s role in promoting academic excellence and national development.
Reported by Anthony Nwosu
Tech and Biz News NG
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