Application Procedure

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2026 Call for Entries

Theme: Innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Information Communication Technology
(ICT) or Digital Technologies for Development

NLNG invites innovators, scientists, startups, practitioners, and interdisciplinary teams worldwide to submit entries for The 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation. The Prize seeks high-impact, innovative, and scalable solutions that deploy Artificial Intelligence or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies to address clearly defined development challenges relevant to Nigeria. Both research-led innovations and practice-led, field-tested solutions are strongly encouraged.

Entries must demonstrate:

  • i.   Clear integration of AI, or ICT, or Digital Technologies
  • ii.  Practical applicability and operational clarity
  • iii. Evidence of deployment, piloting, or real-world testing
  • iv. Measurable or clearly articulated community or societal impact
  • v.   Potential for scalability, sustainability, and adoption

Innovations with strong real-world impact will be given due consideration.

The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation celebrates excellence in scientific and innovative breakthroughs and honours scientists and innovators from anywhere in the world who help find solutions, which can be applied in Nigeria, to a problem as defined and advertised by the Advisory Board for the Prize.

The annual prize for science and innovation was instituted in 2004 by NLNG to recognise outstanding scientific and innovative achievements in line with NLNG’s vision of improving lives sustainably.

Eligibility

The award is open to scientists and innovators worldwide (Nigerians and non-Nigerians) involved in the application of science and innovation to proffer solutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies for Development.

Members of the Advisory Board or Panel of Judges or their relatives are not allowed to enter their works for the science and innovation prize during their year of service as well as the following year.

NLNG staff or their immediate family members are ineligible to enter the prize during their years of service and five (5) years post-service.

The work should be of outstanding merit and should have advanced the frontiers of knowledge and/or provide an innovative technology in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Information Communication Technology (ICT) or Digital Technologies for Development.

The entry should be a completed scientific work or innovative technology, substantiated by either a proof of concept or tangible societal impact.

Only one entry can be submitted by an individual or group.

All materials in support of the entry must be submitted within the time stipulated.

Submission Process

  • Entries should be submitted via www.thenigeriaprizes.org
  • As the intention is to recognise the most relevant and effective solution to a prescribed problem for which Nigeria benefits, works of collaboration by two or more persons are also welcome.
  • Only one entry per contestant(s) is permitted per competition year.
  • Entries not submitted by the stated deadline and according to stated conditions shall not be considered.
  • The prize will be awarded for no other reason than excellence.
  • Go to the Application Form page to apply

Close of Entry

All entries must be received by 23:59hrs WAT Thursday 30th April 2026. Late entries will not be considered.