29th January, 2012
President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Professor Oluwole Daniel Makinde, recipient of the African Union Kwame Nkrumah 2011 Scientific Award for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, describing Makinde’s achievement as “a source of pride to all Nigerians, particularly worthy of emulation by the younger generation”.
The award was presented today at the African Union Commission Headquarters during the formal opening ceremony of the 18th AU Summit. President Jonathan noted that Makinde is “a very gifted scholar, an achiever, and a man of impressive credentials.”
“Having a Nigerian win the prestigious Nkrumah award for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, is something that should make every Nigerian proud,” he said.
The African Union launched the AU Scientific Award Programme on September 9, 2008. Renamed as the “African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards” in July 2010, the award “is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, co-operation and political agenda…The objective of the programme is to give out scientific awards to top African scientists for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings.”
Makinde, who obtained his B.Sc and M.Sc degrees from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and a Doctorate from the University of Bristol is presently a Senior Professor of Applied Mathematics and Director of Post graduate Studies at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in South Africa. Professor Makinde’s research work has contributed immensely to the upliftment of previously disadvantaged groups in Africa especially in the area of mathematical science research and training.
President Jonathan observed that Makinde’s “research work and its impact is a clear demonstration of the value of research and technology in the development process as well as the qualitative role that can be played by scientists in the overall advancement of the continent. “ He enjoined other Nigerian scientists to draw inspiration from Professor Makinde’s example and to continue to make the country proud.