A former Head of the Department of Applied Geophysics, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wasiu Olanrewaju Raji, has emerged as the runner-up at the 2025 Conference of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS).
The conference, which took place in Abuja between January 20 and 22, 2025 with the theme ‘Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Nigeria’, drew participants from the academia, industry, governmental and non-governmental organisations within and outside Nigeria.
Prof. Raji’s presentation, which was entitled “Assessing the Storage Potential of Hard-Rock Aquifers for Sustainable Groundwater Management Using Machine Leaning Models” was adjudged the second best and was consequently awarded the overall second prize at the conference.
The first prize was awarded to a paper entitled ‘The Effect of Urban Renewal on Climate Change”, which was presented by Dr. Sherif Rasak, a Director at the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA), Abuja; while the third prize was awarded to the paper entitled “Multi-Criteria Assessment and Optimization Approach to Enhancing Climate Resilience of Urban Infrastructure in Minna, Nigeria” by Prof. Samuel Medayese of the Federal University of Technology (FUTM), Minna.
The objectives of the conference, according to the organisers, are to showcase original scientific research and innovations; disseminate scientific information concerning issues of national relevance; create a platform for various stakeholders (academic, government, private sector, etc) to discuss scientific issue of societal significance; and foster mentorship, networking, and collaborations among Nigerian scientists.
The conference attracted many dignitaries including a former Vice Chancellor of FUT, Minna, Professor Emeritus Musibau Adewumi Akanji, FAS, and the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Adenike T. Oladiji, FAS, among several others.
Meanwhile, Prof. Raji, who was the inaugural winner of the UNILORIN Research Innovation of the Year, thanked the authorities of the University for the support he has always received.
Prof. Raji, who also served as the Director, Students Work Industrial Experience Scheme (SIWES), specifically thanked the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for the enabling environment provided for staff and students of the University to excel.
He assured the Vice Chancellor that he would continue to do well and work with others to achieve vision 1:10:500 of the University.
