The Federal Government has launched the Nigeria National Laureate Annual Prize Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at recognising and rewarding outstanding research and intellectual excellence in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
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The programme will offer cash prizes ranging from ₦5 million to ₦20 million for exceptional dissertations, theses, and research projects.
Under the scheme, undergraduate dissertations will receive ₦5 million, master’s theses will attract ₦10 million, while doctoral research will earn the top prize of ₦20 million, alongside nationwide recognition for their contributions.
Announcing the programme, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described it as a strategic intervention to elevate scholarly achievement and innovation to the forefront of national recognition.
Dr. Alausa added that while society often celebrates social influencers, innovators must equally be celebrated.
In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the minister said: “By honouring our best researchers as National Laureates, we are signalling a new era where academic work is not just a graduation requirement but a blueprint for national development and industrialisation.
“This initiative ensures that rigorous research and academic excellence are rewarded with both national prestige and substantial financial incentives.”
To ensure sustainability without straining public funds, the minister said the programme will be fully financed by the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) and its strategic partners.
A 10-member NERD National Laureate Prize Committee, chaired by Prof. Abubakar Sambo, has been set up to oversee submissions, vetting, and final selection of laureates.
Other members include Prof. Solomon Nwhator, Prof. (Mrs) Tolulope Ariyomo, Prof. Francis F. Uba, Prof. (Mrs) Carol Arinze-Umobi, and representatives from the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Nigeria Academy of Sciences, National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the Federal Ministry of Education.
The Secretary of NERD will serve as Secretary to the Committee.
The statement said select prizes will bear the names of distinguished Nigerians.
It added that the inaugural award will honour Dr. Stella Adadevoh, recognising her legacy of courage, professionalism, and national sacrifice.
“Tertiary institutions across the country have been instructed to submit their best research works for consideration, while the Prize Committee can also identify outstanding contributions nationwide.
“The 2026 cycle begins with the inauguration of the Prize Committee, followed by a national call for submissions in May via the NERD portal.
Evaluation will run from June to September, culminating in the National Laureate Gala in November 2026 in Abuja, where outstanding researchers will be celebrated for their contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual advancement and national development.
“Members of the public are encouraged to follow updates on the programme through the NERD portal,” the statement added.
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