By IndyPress News Desk 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the Nigeria National Laureate Annual Prize Programme to recognise outstanding academic research and innovation across tertiary institutions nationwide.

This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

According to the Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the initiative is designed to strengthen scholarly excellence and position academic research as a key driver of national development.

“Under the programme, top-performing students will receive ₦5 million for undergraduate dissertations, ₦10 million for master’s theses, and ₦20 million for doctoral research, alongside national recognition,” the education minister said.

He added that the initiative seeks to reposition academic work as a valuable national asset capable of stimulating innovation and intellectual contribution across sectors.

The programme will be funded by the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) and its development partners.

A 10-member implementation committee chaired by Abubakar Sambo has been constituted to oversee submission, evaluation, and selection processes.

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Tertiary institutions across the country have been directed to nominate outstanding research works, while the committee may also independently identify exceptional submissions for consideration.

According to the ministry, the 2026 cycle will begin with a call for submissions in May, followed by evaluation between June and September, and will conclude with a National Laureate Gala scheduled for November 2026 in Abuja.