Olaoluwa, Oni among Africa's most influential scientists

Hallowed Olaoluwa and Tolu Oni- have been named among Africa’s most influential scientists and technologists solving global problems have been named.

They are among 12 chosen named under the auspices of the Next Einstein Forum (NEF).

The other up-and-coming technologists are Noble Banadda (Uganda), Joseph Ben Geloun (Senegal), Mouhamed Moustapha Fall (Senegal), Evelyn Gitau (Kenya), Assane Gueye (Senegal), Mohlopheni Jackson Marakalala (South Africa), Komminist Weldemariam (Ethiopia), Axel Ngonga (Cameroon), Alta Schutte (South Africa) and Wilfred Ndifon (Cameroon).

Olaoluwa is the youngest PhD holder in Mathematics in Africa at 21 and the first and only student to do concurrent mathematics and physics degrees at bachelors and masters level in the Central African Republic.

Oni is working on the co-existence and interaction between chronic infectious and non-infectious diseases, and the impact of the physical and socioeconomic environment on the health profile of populations living in unplanned urban settings.

NEF is an initiative of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in partnership with Robert Bosch Stiftung.

Central to the NEF's vision of propelling Africa onto the global scientific stage, the NEF Fellows will present their groundbreaking research at the NEF Global Gathering to be held on 8-10 March 2016 in Dakar, Senegal, under the patronage of President Macky Sall.

Reflecting Africa's young population, 50 percent of participants at the NEF Global Gathering 2016 will be under 42 years old. The NEF will also place emphasis on highlighting the contributions of female scientists.

Thierry Zomahoun, President and Chief Executive Officer of AIMS and Chairperson of the NEF, expressed excitement at announcing their NEF Fellows Class.

They believe the young scientists selected, some of Africa's top scientists under 42, demonstrate that there is a scientific renaissance happening on the continent and that Africa is getting back onto the global arc of innovation, the official said.

“These exceptional scientists and technologists are not only some of the best in their field but they are doing impactful science. Their discoveries, current and future, will solve global challenges in health, energy, climate change, agriculture, education, data and cyber security to name a few.”