I welcome you to this ceremonial handover of entries for the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science. This annual event represents a significant moment in NLNG’s commitment to advancing scientific excellence and innovations in Nigeria.

Record-Breaking Milestone
This year, we received 112 entries. Congratulations to all who successfully submitted their innovations for the 2025 contest. Your participation is clear a demonstration  of your interest in harnessing science as a tool to address social challenges. It reflects a shared vision with NLNG of improving lives sustainably, through innovation.  The prize relies on the quality of your entries to build the muscle for global reckon. As the prize grows stronger, so will the honour of the winners rising to the top.

Theme for 2025: Digital Innovation for Development

The theme for the 2025 cycle, “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development,” reflects a critical area of transformation in today’s world. Digital technologies are reshaping economies and societies, and nations investing in AI and ICT are seeing exponential benefits—creating new industries, expanding access to services, and driving productivity.

These technologies hold transformative potential for Nigeria. As Africa’s largest economy and home to a vast pool of young talent, innovations in digital technology can help us build scalable solutions with global relevance and drive sustainable socio-economic development.

Gratitude to the Advisory Board
This progress would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of our esteemed Advisory Board for their continued leadership and excellence in administering the prize.

Formal Handover and Conclusion
On behalf of NLNG, I hand over the 112 entries to the Advisory Board who will transmit them to our distinguished panel of judges to commence the adjudication process. We eagerly anticipate a robust evaluation process and look forward to celebrating outstanding innovations. Thank you.

Being excerpts of address by Dr Sophia Horsfall, NLNG General Manager External Relations and Sustainable Development at the Handover of Entries for the Nigeria Prize for Science on 13^th May 2025