Science Nigeria Lectures 2017: Wednesday July 12, 2017 at the University of Abuja

The intellectual community and the general public are hereby invited to the lecture no.1 of the Science Nigeria Lectures 2017 which comes under the distinguished chairmanship of His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, and holds Wednesday July 12, 2017 at the Management Science Hall, University of Abuja, by 10am prompt.

The Science Nigeria Lectures is an effort towards not only promoting the works and contributions of Nigerian scientists, but also in interfacing them with the Nigerian public. The lecture strives to promote public understanding of science, inculcate the much-needed scientific culture in the lives of Nigerians, and at the same time, generate and sustain interest in the sciences in public domain. Through these lectures, many become aware of the exploits of Nigerian scientists in the global scientific arena. Again, through these lectures, many young people in the Nigerian society become not only inspired in pursuing careers sciences, but also in making enduring contributions in them.

The Science Nigeria Lectures is also another way of celebrating Nigerian scientists who have had a minimum of 50 years of outstanding research contributions in the sciences, and as such, making them stand as role models for generations following. It is a way in which these distinguished scientists give to science and the society at large, the benefits of their experience and impressions. It is indeed a celebratory intellectual harvest.

Another focus of the Science Nigeria Lectures is to discuss topical issues in the frontiers of science and at the same time, chart the way forward. And this year lecture comes with the theme “SCIENCE IN THE NEXT 100 YEARS”. It is pertinent to note that what happens to (or in) science in the next 100 years has been, for some time now, the preoccupation of many world-leaders in science. And many Nobel laureates have attempted to give a prognosis of what lies ahead of it in the next foreseeable future. Africa is yet to do that, but thanks to God, Nigeria has taken the lead.

Professor Aderemi Oluyomi Kuku, world-renowned Professor of Mathematics and currently the President, African Academy of Sciences (the apex science academy in Africa), is our guest lecturer.

It has been said that nature does not change, and that what changes is our perception. Truly, it is only when there is a change in our perception that nature changes. As a very renowned Professor of Mathematics with over 50 years of outstanding research experiences, there are no doubts that Professor Kuku may see things differently. Our question then becomes: What does Professor Kuku see for science in the next 100 years? What lies ahead of science in the foreseeable future? What area of science will thrive, and to what detriment? Will the science of today be the same with that of the next 100 years? These are some of the questions his lecture will address. In fact, this lecture is bound to open up new research directions in the sciences.

More also, not knowing about the future, is a function of not knowing about the present. And only those who are well grounded in the present science can tell what the science of the future would look like. And Professor Kuku is one of such people. He is one of the finest in his chosen field and has been to the best places in the world where science is done. It is upon these premises that Professor Kuku has been chosen as the great oracle that will tell us what will be of science in the next 100 years.

We sincerely look forward to seeing you, and do please accept the assurance of our highest regards. Should you have questions or ideas that will enrich this programme, please do not hesitate to call me on 08064383985 or send email to chigozieubani@yahoo.com.

CHIGOZIE UBANI.

Coordinator, Science Nigeria Lectures

And Chairman, Global Science Development Initiatives