Advisory board upholds standards, declares ‘No winner’ for 2025 Nigeria Prize for Science - ITREALMS

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... Judges cite poor quality of entries; 2025 theme on ICT and Artificial Intelligence to be repeated in 2026

The Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science has declared that no winner will emerge in the 2025 edition, following the judges’ verdict that none of the 112 entries submitted met the rigorous standards required for the prestigious award, reports ITREALMS.

Chairman of the Advisory Board, Professor Barth Nnaji, disclosed this at a press briefing in Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island. 

He explained that after a painstaking review process, the judges concluded that the entries did not reflect the level of creativity, originality, and scientific rigor the Prize is designed to uphold.

“This decision, though difficult, reinforces our resolve to protect the integrity of the Prize and safeguard its reputation,” Prof. Nnaji said. “To lower the bar would be to betray the trust of the public and diminish the legacy of the Prize itself.”

He commended the efforts of scientists and researchers who participated, stressing that their submissions reflect courage and dedication to knowledge advancement. 

Nnaji emphasised that excellence transcends effort, requiring innovation, mastery, and the capacity to leave a lasting impact on society.

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The Advisory Board urged Nigerian scientists, researchers, and innovators to be inspired rather than discouraged by the outcome. Prof. Nnaji reminded participants that this was not the first time the Prize would go unawarded, citing similar outcomes in 2005, 2007, during the hiatus between 2011 and 2016, and again in 2021.

“This Prize exists to celebrate only the finest achievements, work that withstands scrutiny and elevates scientific discourse. Where these qualities are absent, we cannot, in good conscience, bestow the Prize,” he added.

To give innovators another opportunity, the Advisory Board revealed that the 2025 theme “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development” will be retained for the 2026 edition to attract a wider pool of entries, especially in the emerging field of AI.

The panel of judges for the 2025 edition was led by Dr. (Mrs) Omobola Johnson, Senior Partner at TLcom Capital and former Minister of Communication Technology. Other members include Prof. Collins Udanor, Associate Professor of Computer Science (AI) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Prof. Aminu Muhammad Bui, AI scholar at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

Commenting on the outcome, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, reaffirmed the sponsors’ commitment:

“The Nigeria Prize for Science is a celebration of excellence and innovation. Though we have no winner this year, our dedication to promoting breakthrough research that transforms lives remains unwavering. We encourage scientists across Nigeria and the diaspora to rise to the challenge as we reopen entries in 2026.”

Now in its 21st year, ITREALMS gathered that the Prize remains one of Africa’s most prestigious scientific awards, carrying a reputation for rewarding only the highest levels of innovation and scientific excellence.

Remmy Nweke/DoP