One of the key objectives for establishing the Nigerian National Merit Award by the Federal Government is to evolve a system that can easily recognize and reward intellectual, academic and professional excellence.

Since its establishment by decree number 53 of 1979, as amended by decree 96 of 1992, the Nigerian National Merit Award has earned a reputation as the most distinguished honour for academic and professional achievement, with some of Nigeria’s very best men and women making its list of recipients.

While the goals and objectives of the Nigerian National Merit Award have remained unchanged over the years, the same cannot be said about the environment and society. Changes, largely amplified by the evolution of the information age among other factors, have had extremely profound effects on virtually every sphere of human endeavour, especially in the sciences, engineering/technology, medicine, arts and humanities. It is in response to these developments that the present NNMA Governing Board has initiated a number of new programmes including this interactive website, virtual library and electronic databases to enable the organization respond adequately to the imperatives of the new era.

It is our fervent wish that these facilities will not only present a platform to showcase Nigerian human capital endowment; it will equally be useful to various individuals and groups both within and outside Nigeria, who have a stake in contributing to our country’s development. In particular, the annual lectures by past awardees will be of interest to young aspiring academics as well as development partners such as the United Nations Agencies and the World Bank.

At this juncture, I wish to seize this opportunity to thank Mr. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his personal commitment in funding the activities of the NNMA. Furthermore, I wish to thank the entire members of the current Board for their interest and commitment towards the realization of this important project.

The current Governing Board of NNMA is made up of the following:
(i) Prof. Oluwafeyisola Sylvester Adegoke, FAS, NNOM - Chairman, NNMA
(ii) Prof. Francis S. Idachaba, OFR - Member
(iii) Engr. (Mrs.) Mayen M. Adetiba, FNSE - Member
(iv) Prof. Barth O. Nnaji, FAS,NNOM - Member
(v) Dr. A.K. Mohammed, Perm. Sec. (Political) - Member
(vi) Prof. S. Y. Aku - Member
(vii) Prof. M.G. Yakubu, OFR, SAN - Member
(viii) Adamu Bawa Mu’azu - Secretary

Once more, you are all welcome to the NNMA Website.

Prof. Oluwafeyisola Sylvester Adegoke, FAS, NNOM
Chairman, NNMA Governing Board