In a significant announcement that underscores the stringent standards of one of Africa’s most prestigious scientific awards, the Nigeria Prize for Science 2025 concluded without a winner. The advisory board, chaired by Professor Barth Nnaji, determined that none of the submissions met the rigorous criteria set for the award, which is sponsored by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). The decision, announced in Lagos, reflects the board’s commitment to upholding the integrity and credibility of the Prize, which has been a beacon of scientific excellence since its inception in 2004.
The 2025 edition of the Prize centered on the theme “Innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development.” This theme was carefully chosen to align with global technological advancements and Nigeria’s pressing need for practical, scalable solutions to its developmental challenges. With a prize fund of $100,000, the Nigeria Prize for Science aims to catalyze groundbreaking research and foster innovations that address real-world problems, particularly those relevant to Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
A Rigorous Selection Process
The 2025 cycle of the Nigeria Prize for Science attracted an impressive 112 entries from researchers and innovators across the globe. This significant participation highlights the growing interest in the Prize and its reputation as a platform for recognizing transformative scientific work. However, the advisory board and panel of judges applied a meticulous evaluation process to ensure that only the most impactful and robust submissions would advance.
Of the 112 entries, only 54 met the basic eligibility requirements, which included adherence to the thematic focus, scientific rigor, and evidence of practical applicability. From this pool, the board shortlisted ten submissions for further scrutiny. After an exhaustive review, four finalists were selected for in-depth evaluation. Despite the promise shown by these submissions, the advisory board concluded that none fully satisfied the award’s high standards.
Professor Nnaji, a renowned engineer and academic, explained the board’s decision in detail. “The submissions were evaluated based on their soundness, usability, and real-world impact,” he said. “While many entries demonstrated creativity and intellectual merit, they fell short in critical areas such as practicality, operability, and evidence of field testing.” Some submissions failed to address all three thematic areas—ICT, AI, and digital technologies—while others lacked the robustness needed to translate theoretical concepts into tangible solutions. The decision to declare no winner, Nnaji emphasized, was not a reflection of the quality of the researchers’ efforts but a commitment to maintaining the Prize’s reputation for excellence.
Upholding Integrity and Credibility
The advisory board’s decision to forego naming a winner in 2025 was unanimous, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving the Nigeria Prize for Science as a symbol of scientific rigor and transformative potential. “This decision upholds the reputation of the Nigeria Prize for Science,” Nnaji stated. “It reinforces the credibility of the award and ensures that only innovations with exceptional merit are recognized.”
The board’s resolve was echoed by Dr. Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development. She emphasized that the absence of a winner strengthens the Prize’s standing as a beacon of excellence. “The Nigeria Prize for Science is not just about rewarding innovation; it’s about inspiring researchers to develop solutions that have a meaningful impact on society,” she said. “By maintaining our high standards, we encourage scientists to push the boundaries of what is possible.”
Horsfall highlighted the broader implications of the decision, noting that it sends a powerful message to the scientific community about the importance of rigor, practicality, and real-world applicability. She urged researchers to view the outcome as an opportunity to refine their work and strive for excellence in the next cycle.
A Theme for the Future
In light of the absence of a winner, the advisory board announced that the 2025 theme—“Innovations in ICT, AI, and Digital Technologies for Development”—would be carried over to the 2026 cycle. This decision reflects the board’s recognition of the theme’s continued relevance and its potential to inspire transformative solutions. The fields of ICT, AI, and digital technologies are rapidly reshaping industries and societies worldwide, and Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from innovations that leverage these tools to address local challenges.
The decision to retain the theme also provides an opportunity for researchers to build on their 2025 submissions. “The carryover of the theme allows participants to refine their work, conduct additional fieldwork, and strengthen the practical components of their innovations,” Nnaji said. He expressed confidence that the 2026 cycle would yield submissions that meet the Prize’s exacting standards.
The Nigeria Prize for Science: A Legacy of Impact
Established in 2004 by NLNG, the Nigeria Prize for Science is endowed with a $100,000 award to recognize outstanding scientific achievements that address Nigeria’s developmental needs. Over the years, the Prize has become a cornerstone of NLNG’s commitment to fostering scientific inquiry and technological advancement in Nigeria. Since its refresh in 2016, the Prize has placed a stronger emphasis on practical, scalable solutions that can be adapted to local contexts.
The Prize’s focus on real-world impact is particularly relevant in a country like Nigeria, where challenges such as energy access, healthcare delivery, food security, and economic diversification demand innovative solutions. By rewarding research that bridges the gap between theory and practice, the Nigeria Prize for Science has inspired countless researchers to tackle these challenges head-on.
Dr. Horsfall underscored the Prize’s role in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development. “We live in a time of profound change, where digital technologies and AI are reshaping societies and industries,” she said. “The 2025 theme reflects NLNG’s recognition of the transformative potential of these fields and their ability to address Nigeria’s unique challenges.”
Celebrating Nigerian Talent
Despite the absence of a winner, Horsfall and Nnaji were quick to commend the 112 researchers who submitted entries for the 2025 cycle. “The sheer volume and diversity of submissions reflect the creativity, resilience, and ambition of Nigerian scientists,” Horsfall said. “Each entry represents a pathway to improving lives and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for development.”
The submissions covered a wide range of applications, from AI-driven agricultural tools to digital platforms for education and healthcare. While none met the Prize’s criteria for 2025, the breadth of ideas demonstrated the vast potential of Nigerian researchers to contribute to global innovation. “To all the brilliant minds who submitted work, you are champions of progress,” Horsfall said. “Your efforts prove that Nigerian talent is capable of shaping the future.”
Horsfall also highlighted the importance of fieldwork and operability in transforming ideas into impactful solutions. “True innovation must move from theory to practice, from paper to communities, and from ideas to real-life impact,” she said. She encouraged researchers to focus on testing their innovations in real-world settings and ensuring their commercial viability.
Lessons from Global Success Stories
To illustrate the transformative potential of sustained investment in science and technology, Horsfall pointed to Rwanda’s remarkable journey as a hub for digital innovation. Over the past two decades, Rwanda has leveraged strategic investments in ICT and digital infrastructure to redefine its economy and global standing. From e-governance platforms to drone-based medical deliveries, Rwanda’s success serves as a model for what Nigeria could achieve with the right focus and resources.
“Nigeria has the talent and the potential to emulate and even surpass such achievements,” Horsfall said. “The Nigeria Prize for Science is a platform for catalyzing this transformation, inspiring young people, shaping policy, and motivating researchers to set higher standards.”
Horsfall also highlighted existing success stories within Nigeria, particularly in the agricultural sector. Digital tools, such as mobile apps for market access and precision farming technologies, have already begun to boost farmers’ yields and improve livelihoods. These examples underscore the potential of ICT and AI to drive sustainable development when applied effectively.
A Call for Broader Engagement
With no winner declared in 2025, NLNG announced that the $100,000 prize fund would be redirected to raise awareness about the Nigeria Prize for Science and encourage broader participation in future cycles. Horsfall called on the media to play a pivotal role in amplifying the Prize’s visibility and inspiring groundbreaking submissions. “The media has the power to spotlight the importance of science and innovation,” she said. “By supporting the Prize, you can help attract the kind of transformative ideas Nigeria needs.”
Horsfall also urged stakeholders across academia, industry, and government to collaborate in nurturing Nigeria’s scientific ecosystem. She emphasized that investing in science is synonymous with investing in Nigeria’s future. “The Nigeria Prize for Science is more than an award; it’s a movement to harness innovation for national development,” she said. “NLNG remains committed to supporting platforms that empower researchers and drive progress.”
Reflections on the Prize’s Legacy
The decision to declare no winner in 2025 is not without precedent in the history of the Nigeria Prize for Science. The Prize has occasionally gone unawarded when submissions failed to meet its high standards, a practice that reinforces its commitment to excellence. This approach distinguishes the Nigeria Prize for Science from other awards and underscores its role as a catalyst for transformative research.
Professor Nnaji took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of the advisory board members, including Dr. Nike Akande and Professor Yusuf Abubakar, whose expertise and dedication ensured a fair and rigorous evaluation process. He also praised NLNG for its unwavering support of the Prize, despite economic challenges. “NLNG’s commitment to the Nigeria Prize for Science is a testament to its vision for a better Nigeria,” Nnaji said. “Their sponsorship has made it possible to inspire generations of researchers and innovators.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the Nigeria Prize for Science prepares for its 2026 cycle, the focus remains on fostering innovations that address Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. The carryover of the 2025 theme offers researchers an opportunity to refine their work and develop solutions that meet the Prize’s exacting standards. The advisory board and NLNG expressed optimism that the next cycle would yield submissions with the potential to transform lives and industries.
For researchers, the 2025 outcome serves as a call to action. The emphasis on practicality, operability, and real-world impact underscores the need for innovations that can move seamlessly from the laboratory to the field. By focusing on these areas, Nigerian scientists have the opportunity to not only win the Prize but also contribute to the nation’s development in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
The Nigeria Prize for Science 2025 may have concluded without a winner, but its impact resonates far beyond the absence of an awardee. The 112 submissions, the rigorous evaluation process, and the decision to uphold the Prize’s standards all reflect the vibrancy of Nigeria’s scientific community and the potential for future breakthroughs. As the theme carries over to 2026, researchers have a renewed opportunity to develop solutions that harness the power of ICT, AI, and digital technologies to address Nigeria’s challenges.
NLNG’s commitment to the Prize, coupled with the advisory board’s dedication to excellence, ensures that the Nigeria Prize for Science remains a beacon of hope and inspiration. By fostering a culture of innovation and rigor, the Prize is paving the way for a future where Nigerian scientists lead the charge in solving global problems. As Dr. Horsfall aptly stated, “Investing in science is investing in Nigeria’s future.” The journey continues, and the scientific community is poised to rise to the challenge in 2026.
