Nigerian govt introduces prizes for outstanding research by students

The Nigerian government has unveiled a new initiative to reward outstanding academic research by undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

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The initiative, known as the Nigeria National Laureate Annual Prize Programme, was announced in a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.

The government has also announced the constitution of a 10-member committee to oversee the implementation of the programme.

According to the statement, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the programme is aimed at promoting scholarly excellence and positioning research as a driver of national development.

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Mr Alausa described the scheme as a strategic intervention to reshape Nigeria’s education system by placing greater value on academic achievement and innovation.

Prizes

Under the programme, undergraduate dissertation winners will receive N5 million, master’s degree holders will receive N10 million, and doctoral candidates will receive N20 million, alongside national recognition.

Mr Alausa said the initiative would elevate academic work beyond a graduation requirement, noting that research outputs could serve as a blueprint for national development.

“By elevating our students to the status of celebrated National Laureates, we are ensuring that the rigour of research and academic excellence is matched with the highest level of national prestige and financial reward,” he said.

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Funding of Prizes, Committee

The minister explained that the programme will be funded by the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) and its partners to ensure sustainability.

The statement also noted that tertiary institutions have been directed to nominate outstanding research works, although the committee also reserves the right to identify exceptional submissions independently.

It added that the 2026 cycle of the programme will commence with a call for submissions next month.

“The 2026 cycle will begin with a call for submissions in May, followed by evaluation from June to September, and will conclude with a National Laureate Gala in November 2026 in Abuja,” the statement added.