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AAS, UNFPA Others Call on African Countries to Invest More on Female Education

Published

12 months ago

December 10, 2024

Joel Ajayi

African Academy For Science, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and other stakeholders has called on African countries to invest more on female education to increase the numbers of female scientist in the continent

The Executive Director UNFPA Dr Natalia Kanem made the call on Tuesday at the 15th Bi-Annual General Assembly and Scientific Conference of the African Academy of Sciences holding in Abuja with the theme: “Empowering and Advancing Africa’s Scientific Enterprise” holding.

The Executive Director, UNFPA, Dr. Natalia Kanem who was represented by the UNFPA Secretary in Nigeria, Nathaniel Nau, stated that Africa needs to invest more on the girl child education so that we can have more female scientists.

“We need urgent investment in education, particularly girl education, access to healthcare, youth employment, entrepreneurship, and we believe that AAS can contribute greatly to that.
Speaking further he said, ” From its humble beginning in the 1980s, the African Academy of Science has grown into a leading pan-African institution, nurturing the next generation of African scientists.

“Its fellows and researchers are at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation, addressing critical issues such as climate change, behavioral sciences, governance, data, demographic transition, youth empowerment, vaccine development, and maternal sexual and reproductive health.”

“The AAS has established itself as a vital community of science and scholars whose work align with and significantly contribute to key aspects of UNFPA mission, that is to ensure that no woman dies while giving birth, that pregnancies remain a choice, not a chance, and that there is no gender-based violence to women and girls.

” UNFPA is proud to be a partner and sponsor of this General Assembly and we assure you of our steadfast support as you continue this noble mission.” he added

President Bola Tinubu while declaring the conference open urged African countries to harness the power of technology to transform the continent.

The President was represented by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, Speaking through Nnaji president Tinubu said, “Let us harness the power of science to transform our society, uplift our economies, and improve the quality of life for all Africans.

“Together, we can build a future where scientific excellence is the hallmark of Africa’s development.”

In her her remarks the President of AAS, Prof. Lise Korsten said the desires of the Academy is to see birth of Africa’s sustainable development through Science Technology and Innovation (STI).

“At the heart of our Academy lies a profound commitment to accelerating Africa’s sustainable development through science and innovation.

“Since 2015, the AAS, with a mandate from the African Union, has been working with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and other partners to drive sustainable development in Africa through STI.”.

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Reps Security Session: Wale Raji Proposes Service Extension, Special Courts to Tackle Insecurity”

Published

3 days ago

November 27, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, intensified its search for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as lawmakers continued it’s Special Plenary Session dedicated to reviewing the nation’s security architecture and strengthening its legislative response to growing threats.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Wale Raji Member Representing Epe federal constituency of Lagos State and the Chairman House committee on livestock development presented far-reaching proposal aimed at strengthening national defense and tackling the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.

Hon. Raji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army. He, however, stressed that beyond new recruitment, Nigeria must urgently retain the institutional memory and field experience of officers nearing retirement.

Raji proposed an extension of service years for retiring military and police personnel—provided they are medically certified fit—arguing that their expertise is indispensable at a time when national security is under severe strain.

“New recruits will require extensive training and time to gain experience,Meanwhile, we have seasoned hands whose skills and knowledge can still be harnessed. The Public Service Rules allow for this extension, and we can consider an additional two to five years for fit and capable officers.”he noted.

The lawmaker further pushed for the establishment of Special Courts or Tribunals to handle terrorism and banditry-related cases. He recommended that investigations, trials, and convictions be conducted within a six-month window to ensure swift justice and send a strong message to criminal elements.

Hon. Raji also urged the House to accelerate constitutional amendments to make state police a reality and called for stronger integration of local governments into Nigeria’s security structure. Citing successful community-based security models from Lagos, he stressed their effectiveness in tackling local crimes and aiding prosecution.

Responding to Raji’s presentation, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu praised the recommendations as “thought-provoking,” particularly the suggestion to re-engage retired officers whose experience the nation cannot afford to waste.

Kalu said the idea could lead to the creation of a special, highly trained force led by experienced officers who left the service due to promotions or political appointments.“It is a very stimulating suggestion,We will dissect it further and reflect it appropriately in our resolutions.”he said.

The House is expected to develop concrete actions based on these proposals as Nigeria presses forward in the fight against insecurity.

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