The Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) has been recognized as Nigeria’s highest and most prestigious intellectual and academic distinction, often likened to the Nobel Prize. The announcement was made by Mrs. Mercy Matilda Musa Moro’a, Acting Secretary of the NNMA, during the agency’s management team visit to the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (FMSDIGA), Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemlandu.
Mrs. Moro’a highlighted that the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) Award is distinct from the National Honours Award (NHA), as it is based solely on merit. Unlike the NHA, which takes into account nominees from various states or geopolitical zones, the NNOM Award is conferred purely on intellectual and academic excellence, free from political or religious considerations.
The Acting Secretary emphasized that the primary responsibility of the NNMA is to recognize and reward Nigerians who have made exceptional contributions to national development in fields such as Science, Medicine, Engineering & Technology, Humanities, Arts, Culture, and other areas of human endeavor.
“The rationale behind the establishment of the NNMA is rooted in the belief that promoting merit and excellence is key to fostering continuous innovation and advancing economic progress and human development,” said Mrs. Moro’a. “Recognizing and rewarding innovators and thinkers are essential for sustaining a knowledge-driven society.”
Since its inception, the NNMA has conferred the prestigious NNOM Award on 79 deserving Nigerians. Mrs. Moro’a explained that, on occasion, when no candidate meets the rigorous criteria, the award is withheld.
As part of its statutory duties, the NNMA appoints a team of assessors each year to review nominations. The process includes thorough assessments, and the results are submitted to the President, not later than September 1st of the year. Award ceremonies are held every year on the first Thursday of December.
Mrs. Moro’a outlined some key activities of the NNMA, including:
The Award Winners’ Lecture
The Annual Forum of NNOM Laureates
Conferment of the NNOM Award
The Promotion of Scholarship and Excellence
The NNMA Policy Group
However, the NNMA faces significant challenges, particularly due to ongoing financial constraints. For the past four years, the agency has struggled to implement its programs effectively due to insufficient budget allocations and difficulties in accessing the funds.
“We have been unable to carry out our activities as planned because of budgetary limitations,” said Mrs. Moro’a. “We urge the Permanent Secretary to leverage his office to secure the necessary funding, enabling the NNMA to continue its critical work of fostering academic and intellectual excellence in Nigeria.”
In response, the Permanent Secretary (FMSDIGA) Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu expressed his admiration for the NNMA’s mandate and activities. He assured the NNMA team that he would engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure the agency receives the necessary financial support to further its mission.
Signed
Alheri Davo (Mrs.), anipr.
Head, Press, Protocol & Public Relations
Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA)
