The Nigerian Academy of Science has announced the passing of the first winner of its Gold Medal in the Physical Sciences, Professor Emmanuel Iyayi Unuabonah, aged 50.
Prof. Unuabonah who won the Prize in 2017 was a Professor of Chemistry at the Redeemer’s University of Nigeria (RUN) and one of NAS’s Council members.
In an announcement to this effect, the Executive Secretary of the Academy, Dr. Oladoyin Odunabjo disclosed that the sad event happened on the 26th of March, 2025.
“He was a visionary leader and erudite scholar, the first winner of the NAS Gold Medal in the Physical Sciences in 2017 and delivered his award winning lecture at the induction ceremony for new Fellows in Abuja,” Dr Odubanjo stated.
Professor Unuabonah inducted as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science in May, 2023.
He was the founding president of the Nigerian Young Academy and the Director of the African Center of Excellence for Water and Environmental Research (Acewater).
He devoted his life to the development of environmental science and research in Nigeria.
