A total of 153 entries were received for the 2024 cycle of the Nigeria Prize for Science, representing a 53 per cent increase over last year and a 20-year high record, according to the Advisory Board.
The number of entries was revealed on Thursday in Lagos at the ceremony to hand over the entries to judges for the commencement of the adjudication process. The entries came through the secretariat which is managed by the sponsor of the prize, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG). NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr Andy Odeh, handed over the entries to the Chair of the Prize’s Advisory Board, Professor Barth Nnaji, marking a major milestone in the prize cycle.
This year, the entries will vie for recognition under the theme “Innovations and Technologies for Reducing the Effect of Climate Change,” a choice reflecting the urgency of addressing environmental challenges.
Mr. Odeh underscored the critical importance of this year’s theme, emphasising that combating climate change is not only vital for Nigeria’s future but also essential for the survival of humanity.
“You can agree with me that the theme of this year’s prize will be of unquantifiable monetary value to the nation as you know that climate change, arising from green gas emission, remains a major setback to development of human,” he said.
He stated further that 2024 was a special year for both The Nigeria Prize for Science, and its sister prize, The Nigeria Prize for Literature, as the prizes celebrate their 20 years anniversary.
Mr. Andy emphasised that the Nigeria prize for Science was an annual prize aimed at stimulating the advancement and application of science and technology, adding that the quest for a prestigious prize in science is expected to improve science and technology in Nigeria, resolve issues that are germane to development of the country and help improve the standards of living.
Other members of the Advisory Board are Chief Dr Nike Akande, a two-time minister and former President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Professor Yusuf Abubakar, a professor of Animal Breeding and Quantitative Genetics and the Coordinator of Agriculture Group, R & D Standing Committee, at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, initiatives like the Nigeria Prize for Science play a crucial role in driving innovation and fostering solutions to mitigate environmental degradation. The increased participation in this year’s cycle signals a growing recognition of the imperative to address climate change through scientific ingenuity and collaborative efforts.
The Nigeria Prize for Science is arguably the most prestigious science prize in Africa and one of NLNG’s biggest social investment projects.
