By Adesina Wahab

A renowned condensed matter physicist and energy expert, Dr. Eli Danladi, has been conferred with the prestigious Fellowship Award of the Nigerian Institute of Physics (NIP) in recognition of his unparalleled and outstanding contributions to physics and the advancement of science.

The award was presented during the 47th Annual National Conference of the institute held at the Conference Centre of Lead City University from May 11 to 15, 2026 and presided over by the President and Chairman-in-Council of the institute, Professor Joseph O. Coker. The Fellowship Award is the highest honour bestowed by the institute on individuals who have demonstrated excellence in research, mentorship and scientific advancement.

Dr. Danladi is a Scopus/SciVal-rated and highly cited researcher. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Central University of Technology, Free State and as a Senior Lecturer at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, where he is immensely contributing in teaching, high-impact research and leadership in academics. He has authored and co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and serves as Editor-in-Chief and editorial board member of several international journals.

His research interests include sustainable photovoltaic devices, bandgap engineering of semiconductor compounds, green synthesis of nanomaterials, machine learning-assisted materials discovery, theoretical-experimental modelling, and thin-film deposition and nanostructuring. His dedication to research excellence has also fostered strong international collaborations with universities in more than 10 countries.

He is also affiliated with several professional bodies, including the South African Institute of Physics, African Astronomical Society, African Materials Research Society, Asian Council of Science Editors, Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics, Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, Solar Energy Society of Nigeria, Material Science and Technology Society of Nigeria, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, among others.

Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Danladi expressed gratitude to the institute for the recognition.

“It is with deep gratitude and humility that I receive this award. This Fellowship is a renewed call to service and an opportunity to continue pushing the frontiers of research and innovation,” he said.

He also appreciated his mentors, collaborators, mentees and Ph.D advisors for their support throughout his academic journey.

Colleagues alike have praised Dr. Danladi’s commitment to academic development, describing his work as instrumental in strengthening research capacity and promoting global scientific engagement.

Dr. Danladi obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Physics with Electronics from the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He earned his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Solid State Physics and Renewable Energy from the Nigerian Defence Academy, respectively. He completed a second PhD in Future Energies from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, through the African Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems.

Other notable recipients of the Fellowship Award include the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Prof. Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, and the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Dr Auwal M. Imam, among many others.