NNMA, Nile University Partner to Promote Merit, Excellence in Nigeria 

The Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA), says it is committed to promoting merit and excellence in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Acting Secretary of NNMA, Mrs. Mercy Moro’a stated this during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Prof Dili Dogo today in Abuja, adding that the Nigerian National Merit Award takes great pride in recognizing and celebrating exceptional achievements in academics and research. 

The Acting Secretary of the Nigerian National Merit Award while seeking to strengthen ties with Nile University of Nigeria, said the agency was seeking to explore avenues for collaborative projects, research endeavours, and student development initiatives.

She commended the institution for its quality education and continued investment in academic research and innovations.

Mrs. Moro’a also disclosed that the NNMA was established through Act No. 53 of 1979, later amended by Act No. 96 of 1992 and LFN 122 of 2004, and has the mandate to recognize the intellectual and academic contributions of Nigerian citizens both at home and in the diaspora, and rewarding unique contributions by bestowing the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) award on deserving Nigerians.

The NNOM award is a separate Order of dignity and the highest honours category in the fields of Science, Medicine, Engineering/Technology and Humanities, Including Arts and Culture.

The Acting Secretary also made known their interest in the possibility of hosting the NNMA Award Winners’ Lectures at the Nile University.

She revealed that those conferred with the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award are expected to deliver the Award Winners’ Lecture at least once in their lifetime.

“In the past, we have been honoured to be hosted by institutions such as the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Port Harcourt, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Abuja, University of Calabar among others and we are excited about the prospect of adding the Nile University of Nigeria to this notable list.”

Mrs. Merry Moro’a also informed the VC that the NNOM Award is open to all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, who have achieved and made unique and valuable contributions in their various fields of endeavours.

The Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Prof Dili Dogo in his response, said Nile University has been deliberate in working with government agencies to make an impact in Nigeria 

He stated that the NNMA is a credible partner, assuring the Acting Secretary and team that as the Vice Chancellor of the university, they can be assured that the university is an extension of the NNMA.

He said “We look forward to working with NNMA and will be honoured to host the NNMA Award lecture,” adding that the institution has always created platforms for international and national conferences.

He emphasized that he is aware that there has been no winner of the NNOM in the last two years and hopes that in subsequent years, winners will emerge.