The African Union has conferred on two African Scientists the Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards for their tremendous contribution to science on the continent.Prof. Oluwole Daniel Makinde of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology received the Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation Award while Prof. Marike Labuschagne of the Bloemfontein University also received the Life and Earth Science Award.President John Evans Atta Mills and the daughter of Ghana’s first president, Samia Yaba Nkrumah, jointly presented the award to Prof. Makinde while the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf also presented the other award to Prof. Labuschagne.The award was in honour of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for his role in pushing the continent to free itself from colonial ruleEach of the award winners took home a cheque for 100 thousand dollars. President Mills in a brief remark said the awards are to motivate the scientists in their work.One of the award recipients, Prof Makinde, commended the AU for recognizing scientists at the highest level of the Union. He said this will not only be a morale booster for scientists on the continent but also encourage the youth to venture into the area.Meanwhile, President Yayi Boni of Benin has been elected the Chairperson of AU. He succeeded President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbassogo of Equatorial Guinea.Mr Boni pledged to work hard as the continent has begun to assert itself among the comity of nations. He said he will continue with the good work done by his predecessor and improve areas that were a challenge. Mr Mbassogo assured him of his fullest co-operation so that he can succeed.