NAS tackles Nigeria’s research leadership gap with mentorship programme

The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has launched a mentorship programme aimed at equipping young Nigerian scientists with the skills, networks and guidance needed to drive research and innovation in the country.

The Research Leaders Mentorship (ReLM) Programme, which began with an orientation workshop on 7 September 2026, will pair 25 early-career researchers with 25 established Nigerian scientists, including Fellows of the Academy and other senior researchers.

In a statement issued by the Academy, the six-month programme was designed to address some of the challenges limiting the growth of young researchers, including limited access to experienced mentors, professional networks, research collaboration and career guidance.

Under the initiative, postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers within seven years of completing their terminal degrees will be matched with senior researchers based on their research interests, career goals and areas of specialisation.

The Academy said participants would receive one-on-one mentorship on research progress, career development, professional challenges and future goals.

The programme will also feature capacity-building sessions on developing competitive research proposals, communicating scientific findings and building professional networks.

NAS said the initiative was aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s research capacity and developing a new generation of scientific leaders capable of producing research with practical impact on society.

According to the Academy, structured mentorship would also help young researchers build meaningful collaborations and contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem.

The NAS, Nigeria’s foremost independent scientific body, said the programme formed part of its broader commitment to advancing science, technology and innovation in the country and ensuring that scientific knowledge contributes to national development.

The post NAS tackles Nigeria’s research leadership gap with mentorship programme appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.