•As Entries Into Nigeria Prize For Science 2017
Begins
By Chioma Umeha
Another window of opportunity has been provided by
Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited to reward the efforts of researchers whose works
have contributed to the control of Malaria in the country.
Specifically, NLNG has repeated the 2016 theme and
is calling for entries from researchers with evidence of works in Malaria
control to apply for the 2017 edition of the ‘Nigeria Prize for Science.’
The announcement which was contained in the
website of the Nigeria LNG Limited also said that each winner of this year’s
award with the theme: “Innovations in Malaria Control,” will receive 100, 000
US dollars.
The statement further advised candidates who
missed the initial call or made submissions in 2016 to re-apply for the 2017
award using the new entry guideline.
The notice said: “Nigeria LNG Limited invites
entries for The Nigeria Prize for Science, in line with its vision of helping
to build a better Nigeria.”
Malaria has been identified as a major killer in
the tropics and has been a scourge pervading the Nigerian health sector with
attendant pressure on scarce national resources and socio-economic wellbeing.
“Entries are therefore invited from researchers
for works that contribute to the control of Malaria,” the statement said.
“This annual prize for science is endowed by Nigeria
LNG Limited (NLNG) to recognise outstanding scientific solutions to prescribed
problems afflicting Nigeria as captured by the theme for the year.
“The theme for the 2017 competition is
“Innovations in Malaria Control,” it added.
The award is open to all, including Nigerians and
non-Nigerians involved in application of science to proffer solutions to the
malaria challenges confronting Nigeria.
However, the announcement stressed, “the work
should be of outstanding merit and should have advanced the frontiers of
knowledge and /or provided a solution in the area of malaria control.”
“The material for consideration must be original
and indicate the specific area of merit; and all submissions must relate to
that particular area.
“The materials for award must not be under
consideration for any other award,” the statement added.
Concerning submission procedure, the notice
states: “All entries must be made through the ‘Nigeria Prize for Science’
application form located on the Nigeria LNG website.
“The form should be downloaded, completed and sent
back by email along with the supporting documentation to
nigeriaprizeforscience@nlng.com
“In cases where the applicant(s) desire to submit
hard copy documents, six copies of bound application and documents should be sent
to any of the provided Nigeria LNG addresses.”
It further explained: “All such entries must be
accompanied with the completed and printed application form, downloaded from
the Nigeria LNG website.
“As the intention is to recognise the most
relevant and effective solution to specific Nigerian problems, works of
collaboration by two or more pensions are also welcome.
“Only one entry per contestants(s) is permitted
per competition year.”
The statement warned that entries which are not
submitted by the stated deadline and according to stated conditions shall not
be considered.
It further directed members of the Advisory Board
or Panel of Judges or their relatives not to enter their works for the Science
prize during their year of service as well as the following year.
“Members of staff of NLNG or their family members
are ineligible to enter for the prize,” it stressed.
According to the announcement, a panel of judges
shall be appointed for the ‘Nigeria Prize for Science’ by the Advisory Board.
“The appointment of judges shall, as far as
possible, reflect and represent a multi-disciplinary approach relevant to the
theme. Persons appointed as judges are those who have wide experience, peer
recognition, good public image and command respect nationally and internationally.
The decision of the process shall be final,” the announcement stressed.
Members of the advisory board which the Chairman
is Professor Alfred A. Susu
are, Professor Barth Nnaji; Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande; Professor Michael Adikwu
and Professor Elijah D. Mshelia.
On close of entry, it said: “All entries must be
received by May 12, 2017,” stressing: “Late entries will not be entertained.”
The announcement of winners will come in October
while the public presentation will be at a later date.
It noted that inquiries and correspondences
concerning the award could be sent to two addresses provided in the
announcement, including the ‘Nigeria Prize for Science,’ External relations
Division, Nigeria, LNG Limited, INTELS Aba Road Estate Km 16, Port Harcourt-Aba
Expressway and PMB 5660, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Inquiries and correspondences could also be
directed to the ‘Nigeria Prize for Science,’ External Relations Division, Heron
House, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1HODX.
The ‘Nigeria Prize for Science’ and ‘Nigeria Prize
for Literature,’ are sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited. The prizes are aimed at
bringing Nigerian scientists and authors to public attention and celebrating
excellence in scientific breakthroughs and literary accomplishments in the
nation.
NLNG believes that the science prize will provide
leaders with answers to crucial issues in development; improve the standards of
living and re-energise the scientific community to seek solutions to national
problems.
With the ‘Nigeria Prize for Literature,’ it is
expected that the quest for a prestigious prize will improve the quality of
writing, editing, proof-reading, and publishing in the country with
far-reaching positive effect on print and broadcast journalism.
The prizes are administered, on behalf of Nigeria
LNG Limited, by the Nigerian Academy of Science and the Advisory Board for
Literature made up of members of Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) and the
Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
