Nigerian Science Leadership Programme (N-SLP)
Call for applications
Background
The speed and quality of the development of science capacity in Africa and the rest of the developing
world depend not only on infrastructure and the technical training of people but is intimately linked to
the quality of leadership to lead change. It is widely accepted that the future of scientific development
lies in enabling interdisciplinary, interconnected, and often large, international teams. Training
structures are, however, often not set up to prepare the next generation of scientists for the
complexities that an interconnected, interdisciplinary approach to science entails. There is an
internationally emerging paradigm that recognizes that the focus on individual leadership is often
inadequate to address complex challenges, which require skills across many sectors and
collaborative processes. The Nigerian Science Leadership Programme(N-SLP) will therefore focus on
developing collective leadership skills that will help fellows contribute to the country’s development in
the long term.
Overview of the Programme: The N-SLP is one of the regional science leadership workshops of the
African Science Leadership Programme (ASLP), an initiative led by the University of Pretoria in
partnership with the Global Young Academy and is funded by Robert Bosch Stiftung. It serves early-
to mid-career researchers in basic and applied science, engineering, social sciences, arts, and the
humanities. The goal of the program is to foster the development of mid-career academics in Nigeria,
equipping them with skills in thought leadership, team development, engagement, and collaboration.
This preparation empowers them to address complex challenges affecting Nigeria, Africa and the
global community at large.
The leadership programme:
· Identifies early- to mid-career academics who have demonstrated leadership potential and an
interest in developing key leadership skills
· Creates a network of academic leaders within the country, connecting individuals not only
across different institutions but also across various disciplines
· Advances a curriculum for academic leadership development, which can be utilised in
institutions in Nigeria.
Programme Structure.The programme will employ an engaging and interactive training approach,
emphasizing the application of leadership toolsets, along with peer support and mentorship. Fellows
will attend a 4-day intensive in-person programme from 20-24 October 2023, in which fellows are
expected to be fully active in order to fulfil the fellowship requirements. The process will involve an
approach that cycles between theory, application, and reflection. Participants will be challenged to
work collaboratively to design initiatives that advance a new paradigm for Science in Nigeria,
specifically, as well as the wider science system.
The training will cover:
· Core elements of collective leadership
· Creative and systems thinking
· Development of effective networks
· Stakeholder engagement for change
· Maximising the efficiency and impact of collaborative efforts
· Advanced dialogue and communication skills
· Effective problem-solving and decision making
Expected commitment. The ASLP is seeking candidates who are committed to developing
leadership in Nigeria through the N-SLP. Attending all training sessions is necessary to fulfil the time
commitment required for the training program. Furthermore, it is desirable that fellows apply the
acquired skills to engaging with their fellow researchers within and bayond their institutions, , as well
as engaging with other fellows for peer support.
Selection criteria and application process.
To be selected, applicants need to display a compelling vision of their future involvement in the
development of research projects, programmes, human capacity, specific policies, or societal
structures. The selection process will consider individual qualities but also focus on ensuring a
diversity of culture, subject background (Natural and Social Sciences, Humanities), and gender
among the fellows. Where possible the programme will also attempt to create small ‘cores’ of
leadership; multiple strong applicants from the same centre or country will thus be considered.
The following criteria are used as a guide for the nomination and selection of fellows:
· A PhD degree or equivalent qualification;
· A faculty or a continuing research position at a research institution;
· Active in research and teaching in Nigerian institution of higher education or research;
· A sustained record of outstanding scientific outputs;
· Interest in translating and communicating the results of their work for impact in society;
· Demonstrated leadership ability in research and beyond;
· Interest in the role of research in addressing complex issues affecting society;
· Interest in collaborations across disciplines and sectors (e.g. industry, government, etc.);
· Commitment to participate in all the activities of the fellowship; and
· Intent to share what is learned in the programme with their broader networks.
All applicants have to provide two support letters from academic referees (details are provided in the
application form).
All applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by representatives of the Global Young Academy,
Nigerian Young Academy, and ASLP Management. The ASLP Management team will make the final
selection of candidates
Key dates:
Call Opens 25 July 2023
Call Closes 13 August 2023
Application Outcomes 08 September 2023
How to apply:
Access application form using this link: https://bit.ly/nigerianslp2023
Please note that you have to download the application form and complete it offline.
