Education Minister Alausa says annual awards will reward outstanding research, innovation and academic excellence across Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The Federal Government has launched the Tertiary Institutions National Laureate Prize, an annual ₦365 million initiative designed to recognise and reward outstanding research, innovation and intellectual excellence across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative on Thursday, saying it would provide a national platform for students and researchers in accredited universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to showcase impactful academic work.
The prize includes ₦35 million for the Undergraduate Star Prize, ₦50 million for the Master’s Star Prize and ₦100 million for the Doctoral Star Prize. Another ₦180 million will be shared among 15 Thematic Excellence categories, with each receiving ₦12 million.
The minister said the awards would cover fields including engineering and technology, medicine and health sciences, agriculture, law, arts and social sciences, and teaching innovation.
Alausa also announced the Dr Stella Adadevoh Prize for Medicine and Medical Innovation, named in honour of the late physician and her contributions to Nigeria.
He said the prize would be jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) through a transparent, competitive and merit-based process.
According to Alausa, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s focus on human capital development, research and innovation.
He said the ultimate goal was to move Nigeria’s education system beyond certificate acquisition by promoting research, practical solutions, innovation, enterprise and measurable contributions to national development.