NAS launches mentorship programme for young scientists

The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has launched a six-month mentorship programme to strengthen Nigeria’s research capacity, pairing 25 early-career scientists with established researchers to improve research quality, professional development and scientific collaboration.

The Research Leaders Mentorship (ReLM) Programme, which commenced with an orientation workshop on September 7, 2026, will connect postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers with 25 experienced Nigerian scientists, including Fellows of the Academy.

The initiative seeks to address challenges confronting young researchers, including limited access to experienced mentors, professional guidance, research networks and collaboration opportunities.

Under the programme, eligible researchers within seven years of completing their terminal degrees will be matched with mentors based on their research interests, career aspirations and academic disciplines.

The six-month engagement will provide individual mentorship on research progress, career development and professional challenges, alongside interactive sessions on grant proposal writing, scientific communication, research career management and networking.

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The Academy said the programme was designed to equip emerging scientists with the expertise, guidance and professional connections needed to advance their careers and contribute to Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem.

The initiative also aims to strengthen knowledge transfer between established scientists and younger researchers, while fostering collaborations capable of producing impactful research addressing national development challenges.

The launch comes amid the need to build a stronger scientific workforce and improve the capacity of Nigerian researchers to generate evidence-based solutions to the country’s economic, social and technological challenges.

President of the Academy, Professor Abubakar Sambo, said the initiative was part of NAS’s commitment to developing the next generation of scientific leaders and strengthening the country’s research community.

The Nigerian Academy of Science is the country’s foremost independent scientific body, dedicated to advancing science, technology and innovation and providing scientific knowledge to inform public policy and national development.

The programme was announced in a statement signed by Sambo, Professor Chinedum Babalola, Public Affairs Secretary, and Dr Oladoyin Odubanjo, Executive Secretary of the Academy.