The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences (NSPS) has announced the recipients of its 2026 PhD Thesis Prize, recognizing outstanding doctoral research across key areas of the physical sciences.
Dr. Babatunde Falaiye, Secretary of NSPS, said in a statement on Monday that the awards, presented annually, honor theses demonstrating originality, academic excellence, and significant contributions to knowledge.
According to Falaiye, the 2026 awardees were selected following a rigorous and transparent evaluation process conducted by experts across the relevant disciplines.
The winners are:
- Dr. Paul Adesina – Physics and Astronomy, Redeemers University. Thesis: “Vibrational Dynamics of Driven Oscillators with Phase-Modulated Potential Structures”. His research demonstrates strong originality and analytical depth, contributing notably to theoretical and computational physics, particularly in the study of driven dynamical systems.
- Dr. Timilehin Shaba – Mathematics and Statistics, Landmark University. Thesis: “New Derivation of q-Differential and q-Convolution Operators on Certain Subclasses of Analytic Functions”. The work is mathematically rigorous and contributes to complex analysis, geometric function theory, q-series, and special functions.
- Dr. Temitayo Ale – Earth Sciences. Thesis: “Geotechnical, Geophysical and Hydrogeochemical Modelling of Contaminants Flow from Dumpsites around Owo and Ikare-Akoko, Southwestern Nigeria”. The research is relevant to environmental geosciences and hydrogeology.
- Dr. Bello Buhari – Computer Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Thesis: “Web-based User Authentication and Access Control: An Enhanced Multi-Factor Biometric Cryptographic Scheme Based on Client File and S13 Quantum Key Distribution Protocol”. The study addresses contemporary challenges in cybersecurity and secure authentication systems.
- Dr. Temitope Ogunnupebi – Chemistry. Thesis: “Structure-Based Design and Synthesis of Benzimidazole, Benzothiazole and Other Arylated Derivatives as Potential Antimicrobial and Insecticidal Agents”. The work demonstrates strong originality and relevance to medicinal and organic chemistry.
Each awardee will receive a cash prize, a certificate, life membership of NSPS, and other honors at the society’s annual conference on February 10.
Falaiye congratulated the recipients for their exceptional scholarly achievements and reaffirmed NSPS’s commitment to fostering excellence in postgraduate research and advancing scientific knowledge for national development.
