The Nigerian Young Academy (NYA) has elected Professor Temitope Olabisi Onuminya of the University of Lagos as its new president, the first woman to lead the body in its 15-year history.
Professor Onuminya, from the Department of Botany, becomes the Academy’s 8th president. Known for her research in plant systematics and conservation, she has been widely recognised for advancing biodiversity preservation in the face of environmental challenges.
Her election has been described as a breakthrough for women in the Nigerian academic community. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, congratulated her, calling the appointment a “well-deserved recognition” of her academic excellence and resilience.
The NYA, established in 2010, brings together early-career academics and professionals across disciplines to promote collaboration, mentorship, and policy engagement. Observers say Onuminya’s leadership is expected to strengthen research networks, foster innovation, and inspire young scholars, particularly women, to pursue leadership roles in academia.
Her emergence reflects growing calls for greater inclusivity in higher education leadership in Nigeria and aligns with global trends towards gender representation in science and research institutions.
