Nigeria Prize For Science: Excitement Grows As Horsfall Hands Over 112 entries To Advisory Board

 

(L-R) Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (NLNG); Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development (NLNG); and members of The Nigeria Prize for Science Advisory Board – Prof. Barth Nnaji (Chairman), Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande (Member) and Prof. Yusuf Abubakar (Member) during the handover of entries for the 2025 edition of the NLNG-sponsored prize held in Lagos on Tuesday.

In a significant development, Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager, submitted 112 entries, Tuesday to the Prize's Advisory Board, as the judging process for the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science is set to begin amid growing excitement.

The Nigeria Prize for Science, arguably Africa’s richest and most prestigious science award, is worth $100,000. The 2025 edition features the theme “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technologies for Development,” seeking solutions to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy. Sponsored by NLNG, the Prize attracts entries from scientists worldwide (Nigerians and Non-Nigerians) and aims to identify and reward groundbreaking innovations that advance industry and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.

At a press conference in Lagos, Sophia Horsfall,  NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, formally handed over 112 entries to the Advisory Board, chaired by renowned scientist Professor Barth Nnaji.

(L-R)  Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development (NLNG), and The Nigeria Prize for Science Advisory Board, represented by Prof. Barth Nnaji (Chairman), during the handover of entries for the 2025 edition of the NLNG-sponsored prize held in Lagos on Tuesday.

The handover marks the start of a rigorous evaluation process, during which a panel of distinguished judges will assess entries based on merit, originality, and potential impact on national development. The competition is expected to be intense, reflecting rising global interest and innovation in AI and digital technology.

In her remarks, Horsfall highlighted that this year’s theme reflects the global shift toward technological transformation. She stated: “This year’s Prize seeks to spotlight pioneering research and bold solutions that harness technologies to empower industries, uplift societies, and transform Nigeria’s development trajectory.”

She further added: “These technologies hold immense transformative potential for Nigeria. As Africa’s largest economy and a nation blessed with a vibrant pool of young talent, we have a unique opportunity to harness digital innovation to develop scalable, globally relevant solutions that will drive sustainable socio-economic development.”

Professor Barth Nnaji, while receiving the entries, expressed his appreciation for the number of submissions. “The Board is greatly encouraged by the volume of entries. The 2025 competition is shaping up to be intensely competitive, and we are confident it will showcase outstanding innovation,” he said.

He emphasised the transformative power of AI and digital technologies across sectors: “AI is rapidly reshaping nearly every aspect of modern life, driving innovation, improving efficiency, and unlocking new possibilities across industries.”

He added, “ In healthcare, AI enhances diagnostic accuracy and speed through advanced imaging and predictive tools. In education, it personalises learning experiences, helping teachers address challenges early using intelligent tutors and automated assessments. In agriculture, AI enables precision farming by analysing sensor and satellite data to improve crop management and forecast yields. These sector-wide transformations underscore AI’s growing role as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable progress.”

Other members of the Board are Chief Dr. Nike Akande, a two-time former Minister of Industry, and Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, a professor of quantitative genetics and animal breeding.

(L-R) Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (NLNG); Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development (NLNG); and members of The Nigeria Prize for Science Advisory Board – Prof. Barth Nnaji (Chairman), Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande (Member) and Prof. Yusuf Abubakar (Member) during the handover of entries for the 2025 edition of the NLNG-sponsored prize held in Lagos on Tuesday.

The Prize continues to champion innovation, creativity, and scientific excellence as key drivers of Nigeria’s development, while fostering a culture of research that positions the country at the forefront of global innovation.

The winning entry for the 2025 Prize will be unveiled at a world press conference scheduled for September.