NAS pairs 25 young scientists with research leaders

… Launches six-month mentorship programme to boost research capacity

By Chioma Obinna

The Nigerian Academy of Science, NAS, has launched a six-month mentorship programme that will pair 25 early-career Nigerian researchers with 25 established scientists to strengthen research capacity and develop the next generation of scientific leaders.

In a press statement jointly signed by the NAS President, Professor Abubakar Sambo, FAS; Public Affairs Secretary, Professor Chinedum Babalola, FAS; and Executive Secretary, Dr Oladoyin Odubanjo noted that the initiative, known as the Research Leaders Mentorship, ReLM, Programme, officially commenced with an orientation workshop on September 7, 2026.
Under the programme, Nigerian postgraduate students and post-doctoral researchers within seven years of completing their terminal degrees will be matched with established Nigerian scientists, including Fellows of the Academy and other senior researchers, according to their research interests, career goals and disciplinary areas.
The Academy said the programme was designed to address persistent challenges confronting early-career researchers, particularly limited access to experienced mentors, professional guidance, research networks and opportunities for collaboration.
Through structured engagement with senior researchers, the 25 mentees are expected to receive guidance on their research progress, career development, professional challenges and long-term goals.
Beyond one-on-one mentorship, NAS said participants would also take part in interactive capacity-building sessions focused on navigating research careers, developing competitive research proposals, communicating scientific findings and building professional networks.
The Academy said the initiative was intended to move mentorship beyond informal relationships and make it a strategic instrument for strengthening Nigeria’s scientific community.
According to NAS, the programme will provide young researchers with the knowledge, guidance and networks required to advance their careers and contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The Academy said strengthening the capacity of young scientists was critical to producing research that responds to societal needs and supports national development.
It said the ReLM Programme would also promote meaningful collaboration between emerging researchers and established scientists, creating opportunities for knowledge transfer and professional development.
The initiative is part of the Academy’s broader commitment to the development and advancement of science, technology and innovation, STI, in Nigeria.
The NAS described itself as the foremost independent scientific body in Nigeria, with a mandate to bring scientific knowledge to bear on policies and the strategic direction of the country.
The Academy said its position within Nigeria’s scientific community places it in a unique position to support the development of researchers and strengthen the country’s research ecosystem.
The programme is expected to provide the selected early-career researchers with sustained access to experienced scientists during the six-month engagement, while creating opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.
The NAS leadership said the ultimate goal was to support a new generation of researchers capable of producing impactful, society-relevant research and building collaborations that can strengthen Nigeria’s scientific and innovation capacity.