Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has officially commissioned its new science museum and library complex, named in honour of General T.Y. Danjuma, at its headquarters in Wassa District, Abuja. The commissioning ceremony, held on Monday, January 20th, 2025, drew a distinguished audience of dignitaries, including General Danjuma himself, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, and Professor Jerry Gana, marking a significant milestone for science education and public engagement in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), established in 1977, is the foremost independent scientific body in Nigeria. The NAS is uniquely positioned to bring scientific knowledge to bear on the policies/strategic direction of the country and is also dedicated to the development and advancement of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in Nigeria. Since inception, NAS has been working smart to achieve the vision of an improved quality of life for the Nigerian society through the promotion and application of sound science and technology. This is done through the mission of strengthening the nation’s ability to deliver the fruits of science to society by the acquisition, growth, and dissemination of sound scientific knowledge and the facilitation of its use in solving major national problems.
Specifically, the mandate of NAS is to assist government and stakeholders in addressing major national problems that can be solved by the application of science, technology and innovation.
NAS is a not-for-profit organization with total membership (since inception) of 298 Fellows elected through a highly competitive process. The Fellows are scientists who have distinguished themselves in their fields both locally and internationally in all fields of science including medicine and engineering.
Professor Ekanem Braids FAS, President of NAS, set the tone with an inspiring opening address, followed by messages of support from key stakeholders. Notably, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), represented by a senior team member, reaffirmed its commitment to NAS and announced a groundbreaking initiative: Nigeria’s first Olympiad Engineering Competition, boasting a prize pool of N75 million. This competition, in partnership with major oil and gas companies, aims to ignite interest in science and engineering among young Nigerians. The NCDMB also lauded NAS for completing the building project in record time. Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, represented by Abu Abubakar, also pledged its continued support.
A highlight of the event was Professor Isaac Adeyemi FAS, Chair of the NAS Science Museum and Library Steering Committee’s presentation on the NAS-TY Danjuma Museum and Library. Professor Adeyemi outlined the vision for the facility, emphasising its focus on experiential learning. The library will house unique and hard-to-access resources, while the museum will showcase the wonders of science and technology. He encouraged public engagement and announced plans for partnerships with international museums to broaden the visitor experience. He also expressed gratitude to General Danjuma for his pivotal contribution to the project.
Dr. Kehinde Ladipo FAS, Chair of the NAS Resources Mobilisation Committee, then launched the NAS Library and Museum Endowment Fund. He stressed the need for sustainable funding, estimating annual running costs between N100 million and N150 million. To ensure long-term sustainability, NAS aims to raise N1.5 billion as an investment fund, using the accrued interest to support the facility’s operations. Dr. Ladipo assured the public of prudent fund management, citing NAS’s proven track record.
Architect Joseph Akogwu, Oversight Consultant for NAS Land and Building Projects, provided a comprehensive overview of the 4.83-hectare complex. It comprises four units: the NAS-TY Danjuma Science Museum and Library (estimated cost: N128,966,954), the NAS Conference Centre (N2,870,094,240), a Guest House (N1,924,659,360), and an Office Complex (N1,348,757,280).
General Danjuma, the event’s special guest of honour, expressed his appreciation for the fundraising efforts. While noting the site’s distance from the city centre, he commended NAS for completing the project within a year. He urged consistent communication between NAS and its partners to ensure transparency and measurable progress, emphasising the museum’s functional purpose. He then officially commissioned the building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Following the commissioning, Mr. Mayo Adediran, Curator of the NAS-TY Danjuma Science Museum, led an insightful tour of the facility. Professor K. Mosto Onuoha FAS, Immediate Past President of NAS, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to the TY Danjuma Foundation and all partners for their contributions. He expressed confidence in the future development of the site.
The NAS headquarters promises to be a significant hub for science education and innovation in Nigeria. The interactive museum and library, coupled with the commitment of key stakeholders, positions NAS to play a vital role in shaping the future of African science.
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