By Tunde Oso

The handover of entries for the 2025 edition of a competition widely regarded as Africa’s richest and most prestigious science award: The Nigeria Prize for Science, sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) was held yesterday in Lagos.

Dr. Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, at the handover ceremony in Lagos, said, “With a $100,000 cash award, this year’s theme, ‘Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development’, captures a pivotal moment in the evolution of Nigeria’s science and technology landscape.”

According to Horsfall, “It calls for ideas that can accelerate the country’s digital transformation, improve service delivery, and create scalable, globally relevant solutions that tackle real-world challenges.
“The response to the call for entries was overwhelming, with a record-breaking 112 submissions received from across the world, including from both Nigerian and non-Nigerian scientists.
Horsfall formally handed over the entries to the Prize’s Advisory Board, thus beginning the process of evaluation and selection. The handover ceremony was led by Dr Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, who reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering innovation that drives sustainable socio-economic progress.
Dr. Horsfall also celebrated the growing interest in the Prize, noting that the 112 entries represent a collective desire among scientists to contribute meaningfully to national development through innovation.
“This year’s theme reflects a global shift toward technological transformation,” she said, adding, “These technologies hold immense transformative potential for Nigeria. As Africa’s largest economy and a nation blessed with a vibrant pool of young talent, we have a unique opportunity to harness digital innovation to develop scalable, globally relevant solutions.”
She acknowledged the efforts of all entrants and praised their contributions to the evolving body of knowledge aimed at addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. She emphasised that innovation is no longer a luxury—it is an imperative. “Your participation demonstrates your commitment to harnessing science as a tool to address societal challenges,” she stated. “The prize relies on the quality of your entries to build the muscle for global reckon. As the prize grows stronger, so will the honour of the winners rise to the top.”
Receiving the submissions on behalf of the Advisory Board, Professor Barth Nnaji—a globally renowned scientist and former Minister of Science and Technology—expressed deep appreciation for the enthusiasm shown by this year’s entrants. “The Board is greatly encouraged by the volume of entries,” he remarked.
“The 2025 competition is shaping up to be intensely competitive, and we are confident it will showcase outstanding innovation.”
Professor Nnaji underscored the far-reaching impact of AI and digital technologies across different sectors. He cited examples such as healthcare, where AI now enhances diagnostic accuracy and decision-making through advanced imaging and predictive tools; in education, where intelligent tutoring systems personalise learning; and in agriculture, where precision farming uses satellite and sensor data to optimise crop yields and sustainability. “AI is rapidly reshaping nearly every aspect of modern life,” he said. “Its potential to act as a catalyst for national development cannot be overstated.”
Also present at the event were other esteemed members of the Advisory Board, including Chief Dr. Nike Akande, a two-time former Minister of Industry, and Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, an expert in quantitative genetics and animal breeding. Both board members echoed the sentiment that this year’s theme is timely and necessary, aligning closely with national aspirations.
As the evaluation phase begins, the entries will be transmitted to a distinguished panel of judges who will rigorously assess each submission based on originality, scientific merit, and potential for real-world impact. The aim is to identify innovations that not only advance scientific understanding but also offer practical solutions to some of Nigeria’s most complex development issues.