The Federal Government has launched the Nigeria National Laureate Annual Prize Programme, a new initiative aimed at recognising and rewarding exceptional academic research and innovation from students in tertiary institutions across the country.
Announcing the programme on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described it as a strategic effort to reposition academic excellence and research innovation at the centre of national recognition.
According to the Minister, the initiative will honour outstanding undergraduate dissertations, master’s theses, and doctoral research annually, with financial rewards ranging from ₦5 million to ₦20 million. Undergraduate winners will receive at least ₦5 million, master’s winners ₦10 million, and doctoral researchers up to ₦20 million, alongside national honours.
He explained that the programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-driven and innovation-led economy by elevating the value of intellectual work and scholarly contributions.
“By elevating our students to the status of celebrated National Laureates, we are ensuring that the rigour of research and academic excellence is matched with the highest level of national prestige and financial reward,” Alausa said.
He added that while social influence remains important, greater attention must be paid to innovators whose work can drive industrialisation and national development.
To ensure sustainability, the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), in collaboration with strategic partners, will fully fund the programme without placing additional strain on public finances.
The Minister also announced the constitution of a 10-member National Laureate Prize Committee, chaired by Abubakar Sambo, to oversee implementation. The committee will manage the call for submissions, screening, and selection of winners.
Other members include prominent academics such as Solomon Nwhator, Tolulope Ariyomo, Francis F. Uba, and Carol Arinze-Umobi, alongside representatives from key education agencies including the National Universities Commission, National Board for Technical Education, National Commission for Colleges of Education, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
In a tribute to national service, the government disclosed that some prizes will be named after distinguished Nigerians, beginning with Stella Adadevoh, in recognition of her legacy of courage and sacrifice.
Under the guidelines, tertiary institutions have been directed to nominate their best academic works for consideration, while the committee retains the authority to identify exceptional research nationwide.
The 2026 cycle will begin with the inauguration of the committee, followed by a national call for submissions in May. Evaluation will run from June to September, with winners to be honoured at a National Laureate Gala scheduled for November in Abuja.
The Federal Government urged the public to monitor the process through the NERD portal as part of efforts to promote transparency and celebrate Nigeria’s brightest academic talents.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.