The Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science has announced that there will be no winner for the 2025 edition of the award, citing the poor quality of entries submitted this year.
At a press briefing in Lagos, the Board’s Chairman, Professor Barth Nnaji, disclosed that despite receiving 112 entries, none met the rigorous standards required for the prestigious prize.
He explained that while the decision was difficult, it reflected the Board’s determination to uphold the integrity of the award and preserve its global reputation.
“The Nigeria Prize for Science is not just about rewarding effort. It is about celebrating creativity, originality, and scientific rigor that can stand the test of time,” Nnaji said. “To lower the bar would be to betray the trust of the public and diminish the legacy of the Prize.”
Now in its 21st year, the prize was established by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) to celebrate excellence in scientific research and innovation that address critical challenges facing the nation and the world.
Winners receive a $100,000 cash award, making it one of the most valuable science prizes in Africa.
Professor Nnaji acknowledged the efforts of those who submitted entries, commending their dedication and discipline.
However, he stressed that excellence requires more than hard work—it demands innovation, mastery, and the ability to make a lasting impact.
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He urged Nigerian scientists and innovators not to be discouraged, but rather to redouble their efforts.
This is not the first time the prize has gone unawarded. In previous years—including 2005, 2007, the long hiatus between 2011 and 2016, and again in 2021—the Advisory Board withheld the award for similar reasons.
Nnaji said such outcomes underline the prize’s unwavering commitment to only recognize groundbreaking contributions.
The theme for the 2025 edition, “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development,” will now be repeated for the 2026 competition.
According to the Board, this decision is aimed at encouraging a broader pool of innovators and inspiring more impactful work, especially in the fast-evolving field of AI.
The Advisory Board also introduced the 2025 panel of judges led by Dr. Omobola Johnson, Senior Partner at TLcom Capital and Nigeria’s former Minister of Communication Technology.
Other members include Prof. Collins Udanor, an expert in Artificial Intelligence and data analytics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Prof. Aminu Muhammad Bui of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, who specializes in decision support systems and AI-driven educational tools.
Nnaji concluded by reminding the scientific community that the high bar set for the prize is meant to inspire, not discourage.
“The Nigeria Prize exists to celebrate only the finest achievements—work that embodies originality, withstands scrutiny, and elevates scientific discourse,” he said.
With this year’s verdict, Nigerian researchers are being challenged to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, knowing that the nation and the world are watching.
