History of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences

Background

The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (NSPS) is 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). The Society 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 Discussions

The process of establishing NSPS commenced in January 2018 through extensive discussions between Dr. Babatunde James Falaye and Dr. Oladiran Johnson Abimbola, now a Professor.

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.

Founding Support

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.

These colleagues shared the same vision and made significant contributions toward the realization of the Society.

Public Announcement

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.

Name Approval

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.

Official Incorporation

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.

Organizational Growth

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 Society's publication activities have gained national and international recognition. The Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (JNSPS) is indexed in Scopus and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), while African Scientific Reports (ASR) is indexed in Web of Science (WoS) and DOAJ.

NSPS also published and co-published other scholarly outlets such as African Scientific Reports, Recent Advances in Natural Sciences, and Proceedings of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, thereby strengthening its role in promoting credible scientific communication.

Launch of Terratmosphera

In 2026, NSPS expanded its scholarly publishing activities with the start-up of a new journal, Terratmosphera.

The journal further strengthened the Society's commitment to providing credible platforms for the dissemination of high-quality research in the physical sciences and related fields.

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.

Best Presenter Recognition

In 2026, NSPS introduced the recognition of best presenters at its annual conference across five major areas of the physical sciences.

The initiative includes a cash prize and an award certificate, further encouraging excellence in scientific communication, research presentation, and active participation in the Society's annual scientific conference.

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 Meteorological 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, the Society remains committed to its mission of promoting excellence in the physical sciences.

The future outlook includes further collaborations, research initiatives, educational programs, scholarly publishing, awards, and professional recognition initiatives that will continue to shape the landscape of physical sciences in Nigeria.

A Beacon of Excellence

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.