In this episode of Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS, REMMY NWEKE examines why the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Science ended without a winner, spotlighting vital lessons for ICT and AI innovators on originality, rigor, and real-world impact.
The 2025 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Science (NPS) has ended without a winner. Despite attracting 112 entries under the theme “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development,” the judges concluded that none met the Prize’s high standards.
Worth USD 100,000, the Prize is Africa’s most prestigious scientific award, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG). According to the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Professor Barth Nnaji, the decision underscored the principle that “excellence cannot be compromised.”
Why it matters:
The panel of judges led by the former Minister of Communication Technology and Senior Partner at TLcom Capital LLP, Dr. (Mrs) Omobola Johnson, alongside Prof. Collins Udanor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Prof. Aminu Muhammad Bui of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; found that while some entries showed promise, most lacked originality, rigorous testing, and measurable impact.
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For Nigeria’s ICT and AI innovators, the verdict is a timely reminder that ideas must move beyond theory into solutions that are validated, scalable, and capable of addressing real-world needs.
Not the first time:
This outcome may appear disappointing, but it is not unprecedented. The Prize was withheld in 2005, 2007, between 2011 and 2016, and again in 2021. Each no-winner verdict highlights the integrity of the Prize and its refusal to lower standards simply for the sake of recognition.
This outcome may appear disappointing, but it is not unprecedented. The Prize was withheld in 2005, 2007, between 2011 and 2016, and again in 2021. Each no-winner verdict highlights the integrity of the Prize and its refusal to lower standards simply for the sake of recognition.
Lessons for ICT and AI innovators:
The 2025 verdict highlights the urgent need for innovators to focus on originality rather than incremental ideas.
It emphasized the importance of subjecting research to thorough field testing so that proposed solutions can be validated under real conditions.
Practical impact is equally critical, as innovation must tackle pressing development needs such as connectivity, governance, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
The outcome also underscored the need for rigorous documentation, scalability, and sustainability, while reminding innovators that their work must aspire to global competitiveness.
To gain recognition at this level, outputs must be not only locally relevant but also capable of withstanding international scrutiny.
NLNG’s perspective:
According to Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG:
“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.”
She also said that the Advisory Board has resolved to retain the 2025 theme for the 2026 edition, giving Nigerian scientists and innovators another opportunity to showcase transformative work in ICT and AI.
Clinic takeaway:
From all indications, the Nigeria Prize for Science has come to stay. It is not merely about financial reward but about recognition, integrity, and impact.
For ICT and AI researchers, the message is clear: innovation must be original, rigorous, and practical, with the capacity to withstand scrutiny while delivering solutions that shape both Nigeria’s future and the global scientific landscape.
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