By Abdulfatah Babatunde
Lagos, Feb. 6, ’25 (TNZ) The NLNG’s sponsored Nigeria Prizes for Science and Literature have opened submissions of entry applications for the 2025 awards.
The NLNG’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, announced this in a statement emailed to TheNewsZenith on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to the statement, the 2025 edition of the Science Prize is looking for innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
It is also seeking digital technologies that could drive development.
Meanwhile, the Literature Prize is calling for entries in prose fiction.
NLNG states that the focus on AI comes as the technology keeps reshaping global economies and industries. It is creating new job opportunities and transforming productivity.
“Recent studies suggest that AI could add between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion to global corporate profits each year.
“The rapid evolution of AI and digital technologies provides a unique opportunity for Nigeria and
other developing nations to leapfrog traditional development trajectories.
“Our goal is to celebrate groundbreaking solutions that can directly impact Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development,” Prof. Barth Nnaji, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the science prize said.
Nnaji further noted that AI wasn’t just a tool. “It’s a game-changer.
“From optimising agriculture in diverse climates to improving public health infrastructure and transforming Nigeria’s digital economy, AI holds immense potential to drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” he added.
With a $100,000 prize, the science competition is open to global scientists and innovators
whose completed works demonstrate proof of concept and tangible social impact.
“The Nigeria Prize for Literature is one of the country’s most prestigious literary accolades.
“It shifts its focus to Prose Fiction for the 2025 edition. Authors of Nigerian descent and residents anywhere in the world are invited to submit books published from 2022 onward for a chance to win the $100,000 prize.
“Prose literature is a mirror reflecting our society. Through storytelling, we find ways to
understand our collective experiences and envision a better future,” TheNewsZenith quoted the statement as read in part.
“This year’s competition promises to bring forward stories that resonate deeply with both local and global audiences,” remarked
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Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo is the Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the literature prize.
He remarks that this year’s competition would bring forward stories that resonate deeply with both local and global audiences.
Prose Fiction continues to attract one of the highest numbers of entries since the inception of the
prize in 2004.
According to Adimora-Ezeigbo, the last Prose Fiction cycle in 2000/2021 pulled over 200 entries for Nigerian authors.
“However, only four winning entries have emerged in prose fiction competition since the inception of the literature prize in 2004.”
Past winning entries include Yellow Yellow by Kaine Agari (2008) and On Black Sisters’ Street by Chika Unigwe (2012).
Others were Season of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar A. Ibrahim (2016); and The Son of the House by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia (2021).
Complementing this is the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, which seeks critical essays focused
on contemporary Nigerian literature, particularly new writings in prose. The prize is worth $10,000.
Speaking on the commencement of the prizes’ cycle, Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External
Relations and Sustainable Development emphasised the significance of the 2025 competitions.
Horsfall noted that research shows the immense potential of ICT, AI and digital technologies in reshaping global industries and societies.
“It is offering innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges,” she added.
The GM stated that the world is transitioning from the Industrial Age to the Intelligent Age.
“These advancements provide new opportunities to drive economic growth, foster social progress and build a sustainable future,” she noted.
According to her, NLNG has continued to contribute to national development, by championing innovation and creativity.
It is also ensuring that science and literature remain vital pillars in shaping Nigeria’s future. (TNZ)
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