The Federal Government has introduced the Nigeria National Laureate Annual Prize Programme, a new national initiative that will reward the best student theses and dissertations in Nigerian tertiary institutions with cash prizes ranging from N5 million to N20 million.
The programme is designed to recognise outstanding academic research, intellectual excellence, and innovations with real commercial potential emerging from universities, polytechnics, and other accredited institutions across the country. It marks a shift in how scholarly work is valued, placing stronger national attention on research-driven achievements.
Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, described the initiative as a deliberate intervention to reposition academic excellence at the centre of national recognition. According to him, the programme seeks to “reshape Nigeria’s educational incentive structure by placing scholarly achievement, academic excellence, and research innovation at the forefront of national recognition.”
Under the framework, exceptional academic work will be selected annually across three categories. Undergraduate dissertations will attract a minimum reward of N5 million, master’s theses will receive N10 million, while doctoral research will earn up to N20 million. Beyond the financial rewards, winners will also receive national recognition for their contributions to knowledge and innovation.
Dr Alausa emphasised that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of building a knowledge-driven economy. He noted that intellectual capital must be treated as a key national asset, stating that the programme reflects a commitment to ensuring research excellence becomes a major driver of 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.
To fund the programme without adding pressure on government resources, the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD), alongside its partners, will handle the full financing of the annual prize cycle.
Tertiary institutions have been directed to evaluate and submit their best academic works for consideration, while a central Prize Committee will also identify outstanding research nationwide. The programme will also honour notable Nigerians, with the first award named after Dr Stella Adadevoh in recognition of her legacy.
