The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has inaugurated its science museum and library complex in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of efforts to boost scientific research and development in the country.

The museum and library building named the former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd) occupies 4.18 hectares of land.

Speaking at the commissioning, NAS President, Prof Ekanem Braide, said that the museum will serve as a useful resource for inspiring and strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education.

She said the academy is currently intervening with an intersectoral team on a STEAM project funded by the Joint Examination and Matriculation Board (JAMB). She added that the museum will showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and civilisation that can produce cross-cultural understanding.

Braide observed that the library will also provide access to reliable information required to support learning and development, as well as house an e-section and a repository.

She assured that the academy will be a conducive environment for researchers, and a good venue for conferences and meetings, saying, “NAE believes that for sustainable national development to be achieved, research must feed policy and policy must be translated into practice. This requires healthy collaboration between researchers, government, industry and communities. It also requires intersectoral collaboration.”

Braide disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed ministers and heads of agencies to speed up the establishment of a National Research Foundation and Fund, and appealed to the Federal Government to drive the use of science as a mainstay for national development.

“This is applaudable as it drives research and development in the country. We will continue to partner with national and international scientific bodies and academies to address developmental problems.”

Braide disclosed that Gen TY Danjuma funded the construction of the science museum and library, explaining that the architectural plan consists of a science museum and library complex, an administrative block, a conference centre and a guest house.

Danjuma, who described science as the bedrock of the development of any nation, emphasised the need to equip the museum with the necessary facilities deserving of a museum and library.

“With the deployment of science and technology, it is possible to access things we don’t have here, and to do that you need money and sustaining regular correspondence,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, said by establishing the science museum and library, the country’s research, development and innovation will be documented for the next generation.

Nko-Asanye said: “All our laboratories are now going to key in through this to train our children from kindergarten up to tertiary as scientists, innovators, and inventors.”

On his part, the President, Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Prof Mahouton Hounkonno,
observed that the museum will preserve the heritage of Nigerian science and inspire the next generation of innovators to shape the future of the nation and continent at large.

He said: “As Africa faces unprecedented challenges from climate change to technological adaptation, spaces like this become beacons of hope fostering education and system engagement. Science does not exist in isolation; it thrives in the lives of the people it tends to outlive.”