Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) says its decision not to declare a winner in the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation was necessary to protect the credibility and standards of the award.
Speaking during the handover of entries for the 2026 edition in Lagos, NLNG’s general manager for external relations and sustainable development Dr. Sophia Horsfall said the company refused to lower the standard of the prize despite disappointment over last year’s outcome.
“Last year, with a record of 112 entries, we were met with a verdict of no winner. It would have been easier to select the strongest submission and proceed with an award, even where the standard had not been fully met.
“However, The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation, held firmly to its purpose as a search for true scientific breakthroughs. By not declaring a winner, the Advisory Board and judges affirmed a clear principle that: the Prize only recognises only the work that meets the highest standards.”
Horsfall said NLNG and the advisory board were disappointed by the verdict but chose to strengthen engagement with researchers and innovators instead of lowering expectations.
“I must be honest with you, the Advisory Board and NLNG management were disappointed by last year’s verdict, but our conviction in excellence and support for the verdict of the panel of judges was firm. Nonetheless, we had to pause and reflect. It led us to ask a necessary question: Nigerians have the talent, but why did the submissions not fully meet the criteria? We had made a promise to reach out more to the public, where we would hold knowledge sharing sessions to encourage more entries. And we delivered on that promise.”
She said the response included a nationwide roadshow and collaborations with innovation hubs, scientific festivals, academic institutions and the media.
“Our response was not to lower our standard but to deepen engagement. We organised The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation Roadshow, taking the message directly to researchers, innovators, and institutions in different locations. We forged collaborations with scientific festivals and innovation hub, ensuring that the prize was visible in spaces where ideas are born and nurtured. We also engaged with the media and academic institutions.”
According to her, those efforts led to a sharp rise in participation this year, with the competition recording 237 entries, the highest since the prize was established in 2004.
“I can say today, with a genuine sense of confidence and renewed pride, that those connections made have paid off. This year, we have received 237 entries, surpassing 112 entries received in 2025 making this the highest number in the history of the Prize.”
She added that the prize theme remains focused on “Innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies for Development.”
“We are back this year with the same theme: Innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies for Development. To some people, repeating a theme might seem like a step backwards. To us, it is a deliberate double down on the most defining areas of our time.”
Horsfall also stressed the importance of digital innovation to Nigeria’s future.
“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.
“We believe that if a Nigerian discovery is to command global respect, it must withstand the highest levels of scrutiny. It is this conviction that guided the difficult decision seven months ago.”
She thanked the advisory board led by Professor Barth Nnaji and expressed confidence in the judging process.
“In a few moments, the entries will be formally handed over to the Advisory Board, under the leadership of Professor Barth Nnaji, and to the panel of judges, who will commence the adjudication process. We have full confidence in their expertise, independence, and commitment to fairness.”
The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation is sponsored by NLNG and is valued at $100,000. The award, now in its 22nd year, is regarded as one of Africa’s leading science prizes.
Last year’s edition attracted 112 entries, out of which 54 were considered valid by the judges. Ten entries were shortlisted before four finalists emerged for the final stage of consideration. However, the Advisory Board said none of the submissions met the standard required to win the $100,000 prize. The identities of the finalists were not publicly disclosed.
