The Nigerian Young Academy (NYA) has restated its commitment to advancing research ethics, protecting intellectual property, and promoting innovation as part of its broader contribution to national development.
This resolution was highlighted in a communiqué issued at the end of its 15th International Conference, which was held from August 25 to 28, 2025, at the Africa Centre of Excellence on New Pedagogies in Engineering Education (ACENPEE), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The four-day conference, themed “Navigating Research Ethics and Intellectual Property,” brought together scholars and policymakers to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s research ecosystem.
In the communiqué, signed by Dr. Nuruddeen Nasiru Garba, the academy pledged to intensify efforts in mentorship, science advocacy, and policy engagement while strengthening its role as a platform for young researchers to collaborate and innovate across disciplines. It further called on government and stakeholders to provide stronger support for research, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The conference was chaired by Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo, President of the Nigerian Academy of Sciences (NAS) and Commissioner of Education for Kaduna State. The keynote address was delivered by ABU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Raymond B. Bako, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed.
Plenary lectures featured Professor Ganiyu Oboh, who spoke on “Unlocking Nature’s Potential for Food Security, Human Health, and Environmental Sustainability”; Professor Rabia Salihu Sa’id, who delivered a lecture on “Understanding Complex Systems: Applying Physics Principles in Driving Sustainability”; and Professor Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Advancement, Research, and Innovation), who discussed “Mission Oriented, Ethically Grounded Innovation: Integrating Arts and Humanities with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Health (STEH) for Sustainable Development.”
The event also included paper presentations and hands-on training sessions on intellectual property rights, ethical challenges in research, and institutional IP strategy development.
The NYA expressed appreciation to ABU, ACENPEE, plenary speakers, partners, and other contributors for their support in ensuring the success of the conference.
