President Goodluck Jonathan, Thursday, said that his administration is totally committed to promoting excellence on merit.
The President stated this at the conferment of the 2014 Nigerian National Order of Merit Award (NNMA) on Professor Niyi Osundare at the Council Chambers, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“My administration will continue to promote excellence on merit as we strive to enhance rapid development and nationhood. In this regard, we welcome the new initiatives by NNMA to promote excellence,” he said.
According to President Jonathan, “Today’s occasion of the conferment of the 2014 Nigerian National Order of Merit Award, is in celebration of the brilliance, hard work and dedication of Professor Niyi Osundare.
“The Nigerian National Order of Merit Award is the highest and most prestigious honour this nation bestows on its citizens at home and in the Diaspora for creativity as well as intellectual and academic contributions of national and international significance.”
“It is encouraging to note that since its establishment 35 years ago, the integrity of this esteemed Award has been preserved through a rigorous and painstaking assessment exercise. “In the areas of Science, Engineering/Technology, Medicine, Humanities and other fields of human endeavour, the award standard had never fallen below expectation.”
President Jonathan said with only one awardee this year, the total number of Nigerians who have been honoured, now stands at 71.
“This merit-driven evaluation procedure underlying the selection of the winners of the award must be maintained. ”
“I have no doubt that Professor Niyi Osundare, our awardee this year, meets our nation’s expectation, and like others that have received this prestigious award, will hold high the banner of creativity and intellectual development,” he said.
President Jonathan also expressed the hope that the knowledge, expertise and contributions of Prof. Osundare will be of immense benefit to the nation’s overall development agenda, and in particular, the successful implementation of this Administration’s Transformation Efforts.
Congratulating Professor Niyi Osundare, President Jonathan said “you are today admitted into this very admirable, respected and distinguished class of Nigerians as its 71st member of the body of the Nigerian National Order of Merit Laureates.”
He added: ”By your remarkable achievements, you have put our nation on a high global pedestal and made Nigeria proud. I will like to urge you to sustain your interest in writing and research at the present level of excellence, and impart directly and by inspiration, your rich repertoire to all and sundry, especially our upcoming generation.”
Jonathan said his government will not only study the recommendations in the communiqué of the 7th Annual Forum of the Laureates but will also continue to support the Award initiative, efforts and solutions to major problems in Nigeria.
“The report of the committee on the actvities of the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) is also being studied by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and recommendations from there will be implemented.
“I had earlier in 2010 approved an increase in the statutory cash prize attached to the award from N5million to N10million per recipient, with the hope that this award will inspire young generations of researchers to follow the footsteps of awardees.
“I will like to assure you that the Federal Government supports the Endowment Fund of the NNMA and will take necessary steps to strenghten the NNMA. With respect to the NNMA Endowment Fund, Government will prioritise the stipulation of the NNMA Act, which is to “institute measures designed to promote intellectual and academic excellence among Nigerians for this purpose and shall liaise with academic, professional and research institutions in Nigeria.”
He also disclosed that through the office of the SGF, action has already commenced on the proposed NNMA Policy Group and the establishment of the National Research and Development Fund.
