Idoma-born Prof Adikwu wins 2019 TWAS Regional Award for Scientific Excellence

Professor (Pharm.) Michael Umale Adikwu, former vice-chancellor, University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has clinched The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) Regional Award 2019, for his numerous contributions towards the development of scientific educational materials in the region.

Congratulating him on the noble achievement, which comes with a cash prize of 3000 USD, the International and National Liaison Manager at ASSAf TWAS-SAREP Coordinator, Stanley Maphosa, through a mail, explained the purpose of the prestigious prize was aimed at fulfilling TWAS’ objective of recognising, supporting and promoting scientific capacity and excellence in the developing world.

He said: “You are honoured with this scientific award for your significant contributions to the development of scientific educational materials. Scientific Educational Materials are essential components for solving many local, regional and global challenges that include poverty, health and sustainable development. The appointed committee agreed that you meet the requirements: Scientific research achievement of outstanding significance for the development of scientific thought (or) and outstanding contribution to the application of Science and Technology to industry or to human well-being in a developing country”.

Adikwu’s successful performance as vice chancellor of UniAbuja, was a testimonial to his fantastic administrative skill, as he significantly transformed the institution from what it used to be, when he amicably resolved frequent strikes by academic and non-academic staff, brilliantly ended students’ agitation over the non-accreditation of their programmes as well as the allegation of forgery and racketeering of the university’s certificates and admissions that had almost defied all solutions.

Known as a man of integrity, in all his academic career, Adikwu never attempted to cut corners, he methodically followed due processes, even till the time he applied for the job as the vice-chancellor, University of Abuja, he was regarded by most of his compatriots as a fulfilled man with several publications of his research works in both national and international professional journals.
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The former UniAbuja VC is one of most intelligent Nigerians, who became a Professor of Pharmaceutics at a youthful age of 35, after acquiring a second class upper division degree, a master’s degree and PhD in the same discipline.

He has published over 170 scholarly articles, and has been the recipient of various international awards in recognition of his contributions to advances in sciences. In support of his academic activities, he has received research grants from many local and international bodies such as The Royal Society of Chemistry of Great Britain; The Third World Academy of Sciences; The International Foundation for Science, Sweden; The Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Abuja.

Prior to his appointment at the University of Abuja, Professor Adikwu was a visiting professor at The University of Manchester, UK. In February 2009 he was elected Fellow of Nigerian Academy of Science, and was the National Project Coordinator for Science and Technology Education Post-Basic (STEP-B) Project in the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja. He received his Doctorate and other degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.