The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has inducted a scientist of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and eight others as fellows to propagate science across the country.
The nine scientists were inducted at the Induction of Fellows and Public Lecture of the academy in Abuja.
The theme of the induction ceremony was “Kicking Sexual Harassment out of Higher Education Institutions: Options and Challenges.”
The scientists were nominated, voted for by colleagues and inducted for their strides in Space Physics, Organic Chemistry, Neurology, Medicine, among others.
The inducted scientists are Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, Executive Director, UN African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education-English (UN-ARCSSTEE), a research and development centre of NASRDA.
Four professors from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Olapeju Aiyelaagbe, Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran, Prof. James Olopade, and Prof. Rufus Akinyemi.
Also, Prof. Fabian Ezema and Prof. Nnabuk Eddy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Prof. Etinosa Igbinosa, University of Benin; and Prof. Zubairu Iliyasu, Bayero University.
The President of NAS, Prof. Ekanem Braide, told the scientists that their induction into the academy was a call to advance the NAS Strategic Plan 2024- 2028.
“You will be required to increase visibility, impact of science, conduct strategic advocacy at the highest levels, strengthen the academy’s advisory function and 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 is a respectable institution engaged in several initiatives to advance science and technology.
Dr Halilu Shaba, Director-General of NASRDA, said the induction of a scientist from NASRDA was an indication that the academy still upholds its standards, adding that Rabiu is a good choice for a NAS fellow.
“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,” he said.
He observed 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 Astronomy Physicist and mentor to Rabiu, said he had always expressed his passion in standing out and he wasn’t surprised at his achievements.
“I am happy for his achievements and I pray he achieves even greater things.”
Okeke also called on the government to invest in space, science and technology, which he said required huge funding.
“The individual scientists are doing well but the government should help and increase the science budget as obtainable in other climes,” he said.
Prof. Grace Kyomuhendo, President, Ugandan National Academy of Science (UNAS), while delivering a lecture on the theme, called on scientists to fight 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, feeling elated on his induction, said he had been encouraged and energised to do more for the country and mankind.
“I feel fulfilled and wanted 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 and 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.
