By Evans Nwawuefe
A lecturer in the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomosho, Professor Olugbenga Bello has been named the 2020 winner of the Nigerain Academy of Science (NAS) Gold medal.
The award ceremony which was held recently held recently had Prof. Bello beat over two hundred other scientists from other Nigerain universities to clinch the gold medal.
The award which was instituted by the Council of the academy is aimed at recognizing persons or team scientific excellence in science, technology as well as innovation.
Science academy award is given every year to deserving scientists whose contributions made the most impact in advancing the frontiers of knowledge and significant contribution to mankind. It is the highest honour that the Academy would bestow on a Nigerian scientist.
The prize which included a certificate, medal of recognition and a purse from the president of the academy. The award president had in attendance Professor Mosto Onuoha who is the president of the academy and the Vice chancellor of LAUTECH, Professor Michael Ologunde who is also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science Technology.
This year’s edition is the third but the second in the physical sciences. Interestingly, Professor Olugbenga Bello is a sole winner unlike the 2019 edition that saw joint winners emerg in the life sciences.