Entry opens for Young Scientist Award

Call has opened for the Future Awards for the young scientists in the country tagged Best Use of Science category.

Before now, The Future Awards had propagated the Best Use of Technology category which over the years produced technology innovators, advocates and entrepreneurs like United Nations Information Technology (IT) Ambassador ‘Gbenga Sesan.

Revealing this at the weekend, the Creative Director, The Future Awards, Mr. Chude Jideonwo, said that for many years, they have tried to mirror the breakthroughs that young people have made in different fields and to sustain them.

“However, this year, we decided we have gotten to a level where we can take this further and stimulate activity in the field of science as well as draw attention, and ultimately support, to that small random army of young Nigerians across the country who are working in spite of the debilitating lack of structure in science - with innovation or invention,” he said.

He said that nominations for the awards kicked off on October 1, and would last till the end of this month, November.

“Nominees must be Nigerian citizens aged between 18 and 31. If you want to nominate anyone, all you need to do is go to the website www.thefuturenigeria.com, click the ‘Nominate’ link and fill in information about the nominees’ work and why you think he/she should win. You will also find The Future Awards link at www.naijaborn.com,” he said.

According to him, the criteria was born due to the claims that there are not much people interested in science, and with the academic environment seemingly wired against development in science, “it is difficult to find young people with solid achievement in this area.”

He maintained that the organizers of The Future Awards disagree with the aforementioned view, hence the introduction of the latest category which covers physics, chemistry and biology.

“We know there are a critical number of young Nigerians who are advancing impressive, practical innovations that can compare with the best around the world.
This might also involve innovation or entrepreneurship in science,” he said.

Other categories for the Awards for this year include Best Use of Advocacy, Actor of the Year, Best Use of Technology, Business Owner of the Year, Comedian of the Year, Creative Artist of the Year, Journalist of the Year, Magazine of the Year, Model of the Year, Musician of the Year, Music Producer of the Year, On-air Personality of the Year (Radio), On-air Personality of the Year (TV), Professional of the Year, Screen Producer of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, Team of the Year, the biggest for Young Person of the Year, and a new category for Excellence in Public Service.

Jideowo also said that they are beaming searchlight on public service, which explains the Excellence in Public Service category.

“Again, for the same purpose as the Best Use of Science. Our awards seek to encourage young people to think of ideas outside of government, outside of convention and to add value that way,” he said.

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