Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has launched a six-month mentorship programme pairing 25 early-career Nigerian researchers with 25 established scientists to strengthen research skills, professional development and collaboration.
The Research Leaders Mentorship (ReLM) Programme formally commenced with an orientation workshop on September 7, 2026, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Academy.
The programme is designed to address challenges faced by early-career researchers, including limited access to experienced mentors, professional networks, research guidance and collaboration opportunities.
Under the initiative, postgraduate students and post-doctoral researchers who are within seven years of completing their terminal degrees will be paired with established Nigerian researchers according to their research interests, career goals and disciplinary areas.
The Academy said the mentorship would give participants opportunities to discuss research progress, career development, professional challenges and long-term goals with experienced scientists.
It will also include capacity-building sessions on developing competitive research proposals, communicating scientific findings, navigating research careers and building professional networks. “Through structured engagement with established researchers, the Academy seeks to provide young scientists with the knowledge, guidance, and networks needed to advance their careers and contribute effectively to Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem,” the statement said.
The NAS said the programme was intended to make mentorship a strategic component of strengthening Nigeria’s scientific community and developing researchers capable of producing research with practical societal impact.
The Academy described itself as Nigeria’s foremost independent scientific body and said it remained committed to advancing science, technology and innovation in the country.
The ReLM initiative is expected to run for six months, bringing early-career researchers into structured engagement with established scientists during the programme period.
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