By Nehru Odeh
The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has officially announced the opening of entries for the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Science and the Nigeria Prize for Literature.
Each prize, valued at USD 100,000, will be awarded in October.
According to a statement by Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at NLNG, the 2025 Science Prize will focus on innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies that have the potential to drive development. Meanwhile, the Literature Prize is calling for entries in Prose Fiction.
The emphasis on AI comes at a pivotal time as the technology continues to revolutionise global industries, fostering new job opportunities and enhancing productivity. Recent studies indicate that AI could add between USD 2.6 trillion and 4.4 trillion to global corporate profits annually.
Professor Barth Nnaji, Chairman of the Science Prize Advisory Board, noted: “The rapid advancement of AI and digital technologies presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria and other developing nations to bypass traditional development paths. Our goal is to celebrate transformative solutions that can accelerate Nigeria’s sustainable development.”
He added, “Artificial Intelligence is more than a tool; it’s a game-changer. From enhancing agricultural productivity in diverse climates to improving public health infrastructure, AI has the power to drive inclusive, sustainable growth in Nigeria.”
The Science Prize, open to global innovators, will reward works that demonstrate tangible social impact and a proven concept. The Literature Prize, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious awards, will focus on Prose Fiction for the 2025 edition.
Authors of Nigerian descent, regardless of their place of residence, are encouraged to submit books published from 2022 onwards to compete for the grand prize.
Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Literature Prize Advisory Board, said, “Prose fiction serves as a reflection of society, offering profound insights into our collective experiences and potential futures. This year’s competition promises to bring forward stories that resonate with both local and global audiences.”
Prose Fiction has consistently attracted a high volume of entries since the prize’s inception in 2004, with over 200 submissions in the last cycle (2020/2021). Four winners have emerged from this category, including Kaine Agari’s Yellow Yellow (2008), Chika Unigwe’s On Black Sisters’ Street (2012), Abubakar A. Ibrahim’s Season of Crimson Blossoms (2016), and Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia’s The Son of the House (2021).
In addition, the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, worth USD 10,000, will award critical essays focusing on contemporary Nigerian prose literature.
Sophia Horsfall, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, highlighted the importance of the 2025 prizes, pointing to research that shows the immense potential of ICT, AI, and digital technologies in reshaping industries and solving pressing global challenges.
“As the world shifts from the Industrial Age to the Intelligent Age, these innovations present new opportunities to drive economic growth, foster social progress, and build a sustainable future,” Horsfall said.
NLNG continues to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s national development by championing innovation and creativity, with science and literature remaining pivotal pillars in shaping the country’s future.
