History of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences
The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (NSPS), a non-profit and non-political organization of physical scientists incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria on January 9, 2019 (CAC/IT/NO 123135), has a rich and illustrious history that reflects its commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of physical sciences. Established as a professional organization, NSPS has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, promoting academic excellence, and contributing to the scientific community in Nigeria.
Inception
NSPS was founded with a visionary purpose, aiming to create a platform for scholars, researchers, and professionals in the physical sciences to come together, exchange ideas, and collectively contribute to the growth of scientific knowledge. Its inception marked a significant step toward creating a community that would address the unique challenges and opportunities within the realm of the physical sciences.
Early Years and Formation
The process of establishing NSPS commenced in January 2018 through extensive discussions between Dr. Babatunde James Falaye and Prof. Oladiran Johnson Abimbola. These discussions centred around the imperative of advancing research and studies in the physical sciences within Nigeria. The envisioned initiatives included the organization of conferences, workshops, and scholarship programs; the establishment of scientific prizes and awards; and the publication of scholarly journals.
In February 2018, the duo sought counsel from senior colleagues, and by March 2018, they encountered additional like-minded colleagues, namely Dr. Oluwatimilehin Joshua Oluwadare, Dr. Wasiu Yahya, and Dr. Tolulope Latunde, who not only shared the same vision but also made significant contributions toward the realization of the society. The public announcement of the society, initially named "Nigerian Physical Society," appeared in several prominent daily newspapers, including The Nation, Daily Trust, and New Telegraph, on May 7, 2018.
In September 2018, a formal notification prompted a reconsideration of the society's name, necessitating a revision before obtaining the consent of the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria. Following careful deliberation among prospective Trustees, the decision was made to change the name to "Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences." Consent and approval for this name change were successfully obtained in November 2018 and widely publicized in leading newspapers, including Leadership, Pilot, and Blue Print, on November 6, 2018.
Ultimately, the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences was officially incorporated on January 9, 2019, with the overarching goal of promoting research and study in the physical sciences within Nigeria and providing effective programs and support.
In its early years, NSPS focused on building a strong foundation, establishing its organizational structure, and defining its mission and objectives. The society attracted members from various branches of physical sciences, including physics, mathematics, chemistry, earth sciences, and computer science.
Promoting Research and Collaboration
The NSPS quickly emerged as a catalyst for academic research and collaboration. The society organized conferences, seminars, and workshops that provided a platform for scientists and researchers to present their findings, share knowledge, and engage in fruitful discussions. These initiatives aimed to foster a spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to the advancement of scientific understanding.
Journal Publication
Recognizing the importance of disseminating high-quality research, NSPS launched the Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences. This scholarly publication became a reputable outlet for researchers to publish their work, contributing to the body of knowledge in the physical sciences. Over the years, the journal has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. It is currently indexed in Scopus (Q3), DOAJ, etc. NSPS also published and co-published other journals like African Scientific Reports, Recent Advances in Natural Sciences, and Proceedings of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences.
Ph.D. Prize Awards
As part of its commitment to recognizing and celebrating academic excellence, NSPS instituted the Ph.D. Prize Awards. This initiative acknowledges outstanding doctoral theses in various branches of physical sciences, encouraging researchers to strive for excellence and innovation in their academic pursuits.
Global Recognition
NSPS has actively sought to enhance its global standing. The inclusion of its journal in renowned indexing databases such as Scopus and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) reflects the society's dedication to reaching a broader international audience and contributing to the global scientific discourse. NSPS forged affiliations with various international communities, including the American Metrological Society, the Israeli Physical Society, and the Geophysical Society of America, among others. This positioned NSPS as a global hub for collaboration and furthered its mission on an international scale.
Educational Outreach and Community Impact
Beyond academic pursuits, NSPS has engaged in educational outreach initiatives and community impact programs. Workshops, seminars, and outreach activities have aimed at promoting scientific literacy, raising awareness, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Continued Growth and Future Outlook
As NSPS celebrates its journey, society remains committed to its mission of promoting excellence in the physical sciences. The future outlook includes further collaborations, research initiatives, and educational programs that will continue to shape the landscape of physical sciences in Nigeria.
In summary, the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences stands as a beacon of academic excellence, collaboration, and innovation, contributing significantly to the scientific community in Nigeria and beyond.