The Federal Government has approved the establishment of the Nigeria National Laureate Annual Prize Programme to reward outstanding academic research from tertiary institutions.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
Under the programme, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students with top research work will receive financial rewards and national recognition.
Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, said the initiative is aimed at encouraging academic excellence and innovation.
“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.
He added that the programme is a strategic national intervention to reshape Nigeria’s educational incentive structure by placing scholarly achievement, academic excellence, and research innovation at the forefront of national recognition
According to the ministry, undergraduate winners will receive at least N5 million, master’s degree holders N10 million, and PhD recipients N20 million.
A 10-member committee chaired by Abubakar Sambo has been set up to oversee submissions, vetting, and selection of winners.
The programme is expected to begin with a call for submissions in May 2026, with the first awards scheduled for November 2026 in Abuja.
