After weeks of rigorous screening, the Federal Government yesterday announced the names of three distinguished Nigerians that have been pencilled down to receive this year’s Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA).

The three distinguished Nigerians drawn from Science, Humanities and Engineering/Technology, include Professors Seth Sunday Ajayi, Francis Abiodun Irele and Hillary Iyang Iyang.

Professor Ajayi is a major figure in the international community of scholars in Wildlife Conservative and Environmental Protection and Management. Professor Irele is an author of over a hundred papers, while Professor Iyang is an acknowledged leader in research.

Making the announcement to journalists in Abuja, the Chairman of the governing board of NNMA, Oluwafeyisola Sylvester Adegoke, who incidentally was the only recipient of the award in 1987, said President Goodluck Jonathan will on December 5 at the presidential villa confer the awards on the recipients.

Adegoke said: “In compliance with the provision of the Act setting up the NNMA, the recipients will be conferred with the award by President Goodluck Jonathan. With this new class of laureates, a total number of 70 Nigerians would have been conferred with the prestigious award since it was established in 1979.

“Over 40 candidates within Nigeria and in Diaspora were nominated for the award. At the conclusion of our very rigorous, merit-driven, 3-stage assessment process, only three Nigerians were approved for the award by the Governing Board of the NNMA.

“It may also interest you to note that in all its 34 years of existence, the NNMA has conducted a controversy-free award, for which it has consistently earned national and world-wide respect.”

Series of lectures have also been lined up by the board of NNMA.

Mayany: I cant see Seun's name on that list ooo i smell foul play [code][/code]FTC

engrtee: Seun should first deal with islamic section

the prestigious award since it was established in 1979.

TrustJ: wow....my dad's name is d list....#dancing pull over

Okija_juju: Yuzedo name dey the list?!

TrustJ: wow....my dad's name is d list....#dancing pull over

Mayany: I cant see Seun's name on that list ooo i smell foul play [code][/code]FTC

HNosegbe: Only 70 Nigerians? Interesting.

Seems a far more merit-driven process than the more (in)famous National Honours awards.

Congratulations to the winners.