Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science has announced that no winner emerged for the 2025 edition, following the judges’ dissatisfaction with the quality of entries received.
At a press briefing in Lagos, Prof. Barth Nnaji, chairman of the advisory board, explained that after a rigorous adjudication of the 112 entries submitted this year, none was found suitable for the prize.
He stated that the difficult decision reinforced the Board’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the selection process and protecting the reputation of the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Science.
He noted that the Prize is about rewarding scientific output and safeguarding the values of creativity, originality, and scientific rigour that define truly outstanding work.
“To lower the bar would be to betray the public’s trust and diminish the legacy of the Prize itself,” Prof. Nnaji affirmed.
He commended the courage and dedication of all who submitted entries, noting that their efforts reflect discipline and a desire to contribute to national and global scientific discourse.
He stressed that excellence was beyond effort and required innovation, mastery of craft, and the ability to leave a lasting mark on human thought and development.
The Board chairman called on Nigerian scientists, researchers, and innovators to be inspired by the judges’ verdict to do more and strive higher.
“The Nigeria Prize celebrates only the finest achievements, work that embodies originality, withstands scrutiny, and elevates scientific discourse. Where these qualities are absent, we cannot, in good conscience, bestow the Prize,” he stated.
This 2025 outcome is not unprecedented. In previous years, in 2005 and 2007, during the hiatus between 2011 and 2016 and again in 2021, the Nigeria Prize for Science was not awarded.
Prof. Nnaji admonished Nigerian scientists that the high bar set for the Prize should not discourage future participation but reinforce that the Prize will never compromise on its scientific innovation and excellence standards.
The Advisory Board also announced that the theme for this year, “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development”, will be repeated for the 2026 edition.
The Board stated that the decision was taken to attract a broader spectrum of innovators, particularly in the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence.
The Advisory Board unveiled the members of the panel of judges. They include Dr Omobola Johnson, the Chairperson of the Panel of Judges for The Nigeria Prize for Science, and a Senior Partner at TLcom Capital. Omobola Johnson drives investment and value creation in technology companies across sub-Saharan Africa. She previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Communication Technology (2011–2015) and spent over 25 years at Accenture, including five years as Country Managing Director.
