Message from the President

Welcome fellows, researchers, students, and friends!

May I first take this opportunity to welcome researchers, distinguished visitors, and students to the Academy of Innovative research, Science & Technological Development (AcIRSTD) website and thank you for your interest in the future of Nigeria science.

I would like to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of all my predecessors in streamlining the scientific program of the Academy during their respective terms for uplifting the scientific outputs and status of the Academy among the arena of other similar science academies world-wide with the nobel objective of promoting and applying scientific thinking in the service of society.

I am also indebted to the contributions that everyone involved with the Academy has made to make our organization a success. The Board and Fellows of the Academy, provide a constant stream of ideas, motivations, and inspirations that exemplify the Academy’s mission of teaching, learning, and growing. The Academy’s members equally provide stories, anecdotes, suggestions, and feedback that represent the research being conducted in the field. I am truly humbled by the contributions these groups have made to the Academy. Their willingness to give so selflessly is laudable, and I thank all who have contributed in both big and small ways.

As President of the Academy of Innovative research, Science & Technological Development, I notice that the Academy’s mission has never been more relevant and important for the scientists, researchers, and students nationwide who conduct research and disseminate their findings in a world that never stops changing.

The changes around us—technological, economic, scientific, and otherwise—influence the way academia and research institutions conduct research and produce subsequent generations of researchers. I have always felt that we are all responsible for shaping how scientific research is conducted, starting by honouring the past, producing the best research we can in the present, and ensuring that the future is ready for the research to come.

The Academy has been playing a pivotal role in promoting innovation in scientific, academic, and technological output for socio-economic development in the country and the Academy needs to make this effort a sustainable one. It has also facilitates co-operation between Nigerian scientists and other African scientists, and the sharing of our skills and technology base as a continent.

The Academy brings the world together through the power of science, technology and innovation; catalyses and convenes scientific expertise, advice and influence on issues of major concern to both science and society, through a unique global membership of natural and social sciences and humanities.

Since the creation of AcIRSTD, efforts have been made to create relationships with government ministries, local governments, donors, and other stakeholders who need the services of science, technology and innovation (STI). In the execution of the present strategic plan, the Academy is maintaining an active relationship with the executive and legislative branches of government as well as with local government authorities.

In addressing and focusing on the strategic interest of government and other stakeholders involved in the technological development of the country, AcIRSTD is undertaking activities to guide science, technology, and innovation policy and to provide evidence-based information vital for policy formulation and implementation.

The Academy’s role in all of this is to listen carefully to policy makers and stakeholders and try to address their problems. By observing societal trends and concerns, the Academy provided policy advisory products to guide government action.

The Academy builds bridges of scientific, technological and innovative cooperation between Nigeria and other countries around the world. Such “bridges” help strengthen Nigerian national capacities in various areas of science, technology, research and innovation. They offer Nigerian researchers at universities, research centres and government agencies valuable opportunities to engage in collaborative research with counterparts in international partner institutions.

In pursuit of that cause, the Academy takes advantage of every opportunity that would contribute to the manifestation of its noble mission set forth by the perfect example, which is in and in itself a diligent approach, a challenging requirement, and an inevitable choice.

Representing the optimal choice for those aiming for a better future; a prospect the Academy has long chosen, carefully planned for, and continuously sought towards, in the face of all possible deterrents. The Academy proactively responds to the rapidly changing future environment by providing research-oriented research opportunities, which focus on convergence technology necessary for future society.

None of us will need to be persuaded of the utility of science, technology and innovation to national growth and prosperity. But neither will we need to be reminded of its capacity to lend itself to destruction and repression. Whether knowledge is used for good or evil depends on the goals to which we aspire and the decisions we make, as scientists, technologists, innovators and as ordinary citizens.

Under the present economic situation in the country, the newly elected AcIRSTD Board has a role to play for the socio-economic uplift of the country whereby, the Board with the support of talent pool of the Academy may foster efforts to invest in research, education, and regional collaboration for sustainability, resilience, and human well-being in the country.

Our Academy remains steadfast in its mission to champion independent research, support scientific integrity, and ensure that discoveries translate into real-world solutions. Science does not exist in a vacuum; it belongs to the community and serves our shared future.

We invite policymakers, industry leaders, and fellow citizens to work hand-in-hand with us. By placing evidence at the heart of our decisions, we can build a more resilient, prosperous, and knowledgeable society.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the pursuit of truth and progress.

Thank you all!

Prof. Olusegun O. Ige, PhD, FARST

AcIRSTD President