A former Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji, says Nigeria urgently needs scientific breakthroughs to drive sustainability and secure a better future.
Nnaji, a Professor of Robotics and Engineering, stated this at the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Science (NPS) Roadshow with the theme “Innovation in ICT, AI and Digital Technologies for Development” on Tuesday in Abuja.
The NPS is sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) in partnership with Ventures Park.
Nnaji, who is the Chairman of the NPS Advisory Board, said the prize had, since inception, stimulated Nigerians’ potential to contribute to knowledge and fundamental advancements in various fields.
He explained that NLNG established the prize in 2004 to encourage scientific research, inspire innovative solutions to social problems and drive tangible improvements in the everyday lives 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,” he said.
The former minister said submissions for the prize were reviewed annually using rigorous standards, adding that the judging process was guided by evidence, functionality, applicability, demonstrable impact and long-term value.
“That standard is non-negotiable because excellence is central to this process.
“This prize is evaluative. It recognizes solutions that have achieved discernible impact — solutions that endure, scale and translate into measurable benefit for our society,” he said.
He disclosed that 112 submissions were received for the 2025 cycle, with each entry undergoing a multi-layered evaluation based on academic track record, quality, recognition, uniqueness, innovation, impact, commercialization, soundness and patent status.
“Unfortunately, the 2025 edition produced no winner.
“I urge those who submitted works not to feel discouraged. They should see this as calibration, because 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 that our commitment to scientific excellence is rational and real,” he said.
According to him, the decision reflects the Advisory Board’s resolve not to lower standards.
“When a year produces no winner, it is not because there is no intelligence in Nigeria or 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,” he said.
The General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Dr Sophia Horsfall, said Nigeria needed more hands, minds and passion in the science and technology space.
Horsfall said the NPS had consistently recognized Nigerian scientists whose work went beyond theory to solve real problems and benefit humanity.
She added that the prize had celebrated and rewarded excellent research in healthcare innovation, energy generation and conservation, agriculture, climate change and artificial intelligence optimization.
“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 the future of Africa would be built through creativity and innovation.
Iloh said innovation was not a one-off event but a culture, a lifestyle and a continuous process of discovery, experimentation and bold ideas.
