Ceremonial Handover Of Entries For The 2025 Nigeria Prize For Science
The entries for the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Science has been formally handed over to the Advisory Board, chaired by renowned scientist Professor Barth Nnaji, at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025.
The theme for the 2025 edition is “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development” to highlight a critical area of transformation in our world today while seeking solutions to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy. The $100,000 prize is awarded to both Nigerians and non-Nigerians as long as their scientific research projects are completed, presented with proof and impact, and connected to a Nigerian problem.
Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, highlighted how this year’s theme reflects the rising global interest towards AI and digital technology. Horsfall comments: “This year’s prize seeks to spotlight pioneering research and bold solutions that harness technologies to empower industries, uplift societies, and transform Nigeria’s development trajectory.”
In 2024, Professor Meihong Wang (Professor of Energy Systems at the University of Sheffield), Dr. Olajide Otitoju (Postdoc Researcher at the University of Sheffield), and Dr. Eni Oko (Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University) were recognized and awarded for their innovative approach to reducing harmful emissions while promoting the production of cleaner, sustainable fuels with their project: Process Intensification Technology for Greenhouse Emission Control in Power Generation and Industry for Sustainable Fuel Production (PIC-FUEL).
Sponsored by Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), the Nigeria Prize for Science was instituted in 2004 to recognise outstanding scientific achievements by scientists and innovators in line with its vision of improving lives sustainably. Every year, scientists, researchers, and innovators from all over the world share their scientific findings and solutions as relevant to the theme defined and advertised by the Advisory Board.
The Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Science is chaired by renowned scientist, innovator, and Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji. Other members of the Board are Chief Dr. Nike Akande, a two-time minister and former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, a professor of Animal Breeding and Quantitative Genetics.
Receiving the 112 entries, Professor Barth Nnaji comments on the volume of submissions: “The Board is greatly encouraged by the volume of entries. The 2025 competition is shaping up to be intensely competitive, and we are confident it will showcase outstanding innovation.”
The handover marks the start of a rigorous evaluation process, during which a panel of distinguished judges will assess entries based on merit, originality, and potential impact on national development.
The winning entry for the 2025 Prize will be announced at a press conference scheduled for September.