The management of Redeemer’s University has celebrated a landmark academic achievement as one of its faculty members, Dr. Timilehin Gideon Shaba, clinched the 2025 PhD Thesis Prize of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (NSPS) in the Mathematics and Statistics section, and was further named the overall Best PhD Thesis awardee across all categories. The recognition places Dr. Shaba among Nigeria’s most outstanding young researchers in the physical sciences and marks a proud moment for the university’s research community.
The award was officially announced to the public on January 11, 2026, drawing commendations from academics and professional bodies nationwide. The formal presentation of the prize took place on February 10, 2026, during the 2026 NSPS Conference hosted at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State. The conference brought together leading scientists, scholars, and postgraduate researchers from across Nigeria, making the recognition even more significant given the competitive national platform on which it was conferred.
University authorities described Dr. Shaba’s research as rigorous, innovative, and impactful, noting that the NSPS PhD Thesis Prize is highly competitive and reserved for doctoral work that demonstrates exceptional scholarly depth and relevance. Winning both the sectional award in Mathematics and Statistics and the overall Best PhD Thesis Prize underscores the national importance of his research contribution and its standing among submissions from various scientific disciplines.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Prof. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, expressed immense pride in the accomplishment. He stated that Dr. Shaba’s success reflects the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, disciplined scholarship, and a strong research culture. According to him, the award not only honours Dr. Shaba’s personal dedication but also reinforces the university’s growing reputation as a hub for quality research and postgraduate training in Nigeria.
As part of the prize package, Dr. Shaba received a ₦550,000 cash award, an official certificate, and a commemorative plaque. He was also granted Life Membership of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, alongside a full Article Processing Charge waiver for one publication per year in any NSPS journal for the next three years. Additionally, the award includes conference sponsorship for future NSPS conferences beginning in 2027, further integrating him into the society’s national research network.
Academic observers note that recognitions such as this play a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s research ecosystem, particularly in mathematics and statistics, where advanced analytical skills are increasingly vital to national development.
For Redeemer’s University, Dr. Shaba’s achievement serves as both institutional validation and inspiration for younger scholars, reaffirming that Nigerian universities can compete at the highest levels of academic excellence when research is properly supported and nurtured.
