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A former Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji, has says Nigeria urgently needs scientific breakthroughs to drive sustainability for a better future.
Nnaji, a Professor of Robotics and Engineering, said this at the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Science (NPS) Roadshow, with the theme, “Innovation in ICT, AI and Digital Technologies for Development” on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Abuja.
The NPS is sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), in partnership with Ventures Park.
Nnaji, who is the Chairman, Advisory Board for NPS, said that, since its establishment, it had stimulated Nigerians’ potential to contribute to knowledge and fundamental advancemwent in different aspects of life.
He said that NLNG established the prize in 2004 to stimulate interest in scientific research and the innovation of solutions to social problems, and to create tangible improvement in the everyday life of Nigerians.
“We need innovation, not as a luxury, but as a lifeline. We need knowledge that solves problems, ideas that spark transformation and research that directly improves lives and livelihoods.
“It is within this context that the NPS becomes a national rallying point for thinkers, researchers and innovators who can reshape our technological advancement and general wellbeing.”
The former minister said that submissions were reviewed annually with rigorous standards, adding that the judging process is guided by evidence, functionality, applicability, demonstrable impact and long-term value.
“That standard is non-negotiable, as excellence is in this process.
“This prize is evaluative. It recognises solutions that have achieved discernible impact, that endure, scale, and translate into measurable benefit for our society,” he said. .
He said that one hundred and twelve submissions were received for the 2025 cycle with each entry undergoing multi-layered evaluation criteria.
According to him, the criteria includes academic track record, quality, recognition, uniqueness, innovation, impact, commercialisation, soundness and patent.
“Unfortunately, the 2025 edition produced no winner.
“I urge those who submitted works not to feel discouraged. They should see it as a calibration, as great science requires refinement, iteration and patience.
“Some may hear this and think of absence or failure, but for us, it represents something important.
“It is an opportunity to dig deeper. It also shows our commitment to scientific excellence is rational and real,” he said.
“When a year produces no winner, it is not because there is no intelligence in Nigeria or even in the broader world; it is because the Advisory Board chooses not to lower the bar. This is how credibility is preserved. Scientific recognition must be earned.
“To those who submitted work this year, I say do not see this as discouragement, see it as calibration. Great science often requires refinement, iteration, and patience,” he said.
The General-Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Dr Sophia Horsfall, said that Nigeria needed more hands, minds and passion in the science and technology space.
Horsfall said that that the NPS had recognised Nigerian scientists whose work goes beyond theory and actually solved real problems by benefitting humanity.
She said that the NPS had consistently celebrated and rewarded excellent research findings in innovations in healthcare, to energy generation and conservation, agriculture, climate change, and optimisation of artificial intelligence.
“It is one of the few prizes in the country and the most prestigious in sub-Saharan Africa that places science at the centre of national conversation.
“It determines our competitiveness as a nation and our ability to create jobs, improve education, strengthen infrastructure and protect our environment.
“This roadshow goes beyond awareness. It is a call to action.
“We want you to see this Prize as an open invitation to bring forth ideas and innovations that have the power to transform lives directly and positively,” she said.
Earlier, the General-Manager of Ventures Park, Ifeanyi Iloh, said that the future of Africa would be built through creativity and innovation.
Iloh said that it was not a one-off event but a culture, lifestyle and a continuous process of discovery, experiment and bold ideas.
By Jessica Dogo
