Nigerian Young Academy Elects First Female President, UNILAG’s Professor Temitope Onuminya

The Nigerian Young Academy (NYA) has broken new ground with the election of Professor Temitope Olabisi Onuminya, from the Department of Botany, University of Lagos, as its new President.

Her emergence marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first female to hold the position in the Academy’s 15-year history.

Professor Onuminya, an accomplished scholar in Plant Systematics and Conservation, will lead the 8th Executive Council of the NYA. Her leadership is expected to bring fresh vision, scholarly depth, and a renewed commitment to advancing national academic and scientific discourse.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, speaking on behalf of staff and students, congratulated Professor Onuminya on her election. She described the achievement as a well-earned recognition and extended best wishes for a successful tenure.

Professor Onuminya’s election is seen as a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and gender representation in Nigeria’s academic and scientific leadership.