The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has launched a new mentorship programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s research capacity by connecting early-career scientists with experienced researchers for structured professional and research development.
The Research Leaders Mentorship (ReLM) Programme will pair 25 early-career researchers with 25 established Nigerian scientists, including Fellows of the Academy and other senior researchers, for a six-month engagement.
The initiative, which officially commenced with an orientation workshop on September 7, 2026, is designed to address some of the structural challenges confronting young researchers, particularly limited access to experienced mentors, professional guidance, research networks and collaboration opportunities.
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For Nigeria, where the ability to translate scientific research into solutions depends partly on the strength of its research workforce, the Academy’s intervention places mentorship within the broader challenge of building a sustainable pipeline of scientists capable of producing high-quality and society-relevant research.
Under the programme, eligible mentees include Nigerian postgraduate students and post-doctoral researchers who are within seven years of completing their terminal degree.
The researchers will be matched with established scientists based on their research interests, career objectives and disciplinary alignment.
The programme will provide mentees with opportunities to discuss their research progress, career development, professional challenges and longer-term goals with their mentors.
Beyond one-on-one mentoring, the Academy said participants would take part in interactive capacity-building sessions focused on practical aspects of research careers.
These will include developing competitive research proposals, communicating scientific findings and building professional networks.
The approach reflects a recognition that research capacity extends beyond having access to laboratories, funding or academic qualifications.
Young researchers also need access to experienced scientists who can provide guidance on research direction, professional development, collaboration and navigating the wider research ecosystem.
By connecting emerging researchers directly with established scientists, the NAS programme could also help reduce the professional isolation often experienced by researchers at the early stages of their careers and create stronger links between generations of Nigerian scientists.
The Academy said the programme is intended to strengthen the next generation of scientific leaders and enable young researchers to contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem.
The initiative also provides a platform for experienced Nigerian scientists to transfer institutional knowledge, research experience and professional networks to younger researchers.
This is particularly relevant as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its science, technology and innovation ecosystem and increase the contribution of research to national development.
The NAS said the ReLM Programme positions mentorship as a strategic tool for strengthening Nigeria’s scientific community, improving research capacity and supporting the development of researchers capable of producing impactful research and building meaningful collaborations.
The Nigerian Academy of Science is Nigeria’s foremost independent scientific body and is mandated to bring scientific knowledge to bear on national policies and strategic direction, while supporting the development and advancement of science, technology and innovation in the country.
