The 2026 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation has achieved a historic milestone, attracting a record-breaking 237 entries, the highest number of submissions since the Prize was established in 2004. The submissions were formally handed over to the Prize’s Advisory Board during a media briefing held in Lagos yesterday.
Record Submissions and Theme
The event is themed “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development.” Now in its 22nd year, the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation is valued at $100,000 and remains arguably Africa’s most prestigious science award. The winning entry for the 2026 edition will be unveiled at a world media briefing scheduled for September.
NLNG’s Perspective
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, while speaking with journalists in Lagos, said the continued focus on digital technologies reflects both global trends and Nigeria’s development priorities. She noted that the Prize remains a platform for identifying solutions with real-world relevance.
“In this fourth revolution, digital infrastructure is as foundational to our survival as electricity or water. For Nigeria, our economic sustainability depends on our ability to move beyond promising research and into undeniable innovation that delivers,” she said.
Horsfall added that global recognition for Nigerian innovation must be earned through stringent standards. She maintained that expectations remain uncompromising, noting that only solutions demonstrating real impact and scalability will be considered. Besides, she said that the decision not to award a winner in 2025 reflects this commitment and sets the benchmark for the current adjudication process.
Advisory Board Chairman’s Remarks
On his part, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Prof. Barth Nnaji, described the handover as a decisive stage in the Prize’s selection process, emphasizing that its credibility is anchored on strict standards of excellence. He reaffirmed that the Prize remains focused on identifying innovations that translate scientific insight into tangible socio-economic outcomes.
