Academy inducts NASRDA scientist, 8 others
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has inducted nine scientists as Fellows to propagate science knowledge across the country.
NAS President, Prof. Ekanem Braide, said this in Abuja on Thursday at the Induction of Fellows and Public Lecture titled “Kicking Sexual Harassment out of Higher Education Institutions: Options and Challenges.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, a scientist with the Research and Development Centre of NASRDA, was among the inductees.
Braide told the new inductees that their induction into the academy was a call to join in addressing several national and international issues, according to the NAS Strategic Plan 2024-2028.
“You will be required to increase visibility, impact of science, conduct strategic advocacy at the highest level, strenthen the academy’s advisory function, strengthen strategic partnerships.
“Your induction today is a call to service at a higher level and not a signal for rest, you will be required to implement tasks assigned to NAS by government, industry and other stakeholders and promote the visibility of our academy,” Braide said.
The president urged the new inductees to uphold the tenets of the academy, adding that NAS was a respectable institution.
According to her, NAS has engaged in several initiatives targeted at advancing science and technology.
The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Halilu Shaba, said the induction of a scientist from NASRDA, was an indication that the academy still upheld its standards, adding that the agency made a good choice by choosing Rabiu.
“Anywhere you go, Prof. Rabiu is a world class scientist and it is an honour to the agency and we are so proud and happy.”
The director-general said that the inducted scientists had bridged the gap in unpopular areas of science, hence the need for them to be celebrated.
Prof. Pius Okeke, a renowned Asyronomy Physicist and mentor to Rabiu, said he wasn’t surprised at Rabiu’s achievements.
“I am happy for his achievements and I pray he achieves even greater things.”
Okeke called on the government to invest in space, science and technology, saying that the sector required huge funding.
“The individual scientists are doing well, but the government should help and increase the science budget as obtainable in other climes.”
Prof. Grace Kyomuhendo, President, Ugandan National Academy of Science (UNAS), while delivering a lecture on the theme, called on scientists to fight against sexual harassment in their different institutions.
Kyomuhendo pointed out that sexual harassment could be addressed but must be fully institutionalised within structures and policies in the universities.
“Gender norms that define, prescribe behaviour, positions and entitlements must be addressed and sexual harassment is a whole university approach,” she said.
Rabiu, who is also the Executive Director, UN African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education-English(UN-ARCSSTEE),
felt elated on his induction
He said his induction would encourage and energise to do more for the country and for mankind, while calling on other scientists not to despair.
“I feel fulfilled in my country, because this is the highest scientific academic body in the country.
“Scientists should continue to be diligent and we should not allow some predicaments to hold us down.
“Our delivery should not depend on the resources that are freely available, we should put in our best, sacrifice, strive to make global footprints.
“While you are working for the system, you are also working for yourself because your productivity speaks for you at the end of the day, so strive to be more productive, diligent, focused and not to be demoralised,” he said.
Prof. Olapeju Aiyelaagbe, another inductee and only female, said young female students should strive to do more, adding that science was not as difficult as portrayed.
It would be recalled that the scientists were nominated, voted for by colleagues and inducted following their feats they recorded in their different areas of specialisation.
These included space physics, organic chemistry, neurology, medicine, among others.
Other inductees were Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran, Prof. James Olopade, Prof. Rufus Akinyemi, Prof. Fabian Ezema, Prof. Nnabuk Eddy, Prof. Etinosa Igbinosa and Prof. Zubairu Iliyasu. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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