Nigeria’s Top Student Researchers to Get ₦20m in New National Prize
- Nigeria launches National Laureate Annual Prize Programme to reward outstanding tertiary education researchers
- Students can receive up to N20 million for exceptional dissertations and theses in academic institutions
- Minister Tunji Alausa emphasises the initiative's role in building a knowledge-based economy in Nigeria
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering basic and tertiary education in Nigeria and worldwide
FCT, Abuja - The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has launched a National Laureate Annual Prize Programme to reward outstanding studeny researcher in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The new initiative is founded to recognize and financially reward exceptional academic research in tertiary institutions.
FG launches N20m National Laureate Prize
The Ministry of Education said the initiative will award up to N20 million to students whose dissertations and theses demonstrate outstanding intellectual and commercial potential.
The ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, explained that undergraduate dissertation winners will receive a minimum of N5m, master’s thesis winners will receive N10m.
Boriowo added that doctoral thesis winners will be awarded N20m, alongside national recognition befitting their scholarly contributions.
This was contained in a statement issued on @DrTunjiAlausa on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
“Undergraduate dissertation winners will receive a minimum of N5m, master’s thesis winners will receive N10m, while doctoral thesis winners will be awarded N20m, alongside national recognition befitting their scholarly contributions.”
The minister, Tunji Alausa, said this is now to build Nigeria into a knowledge-based economy.
Alausa said the programme is to ensure that research and academic excellence receive the national prestige and financial reward they deserve.
“By elevating our students to the status of celebrated National Laureates, we are ensuring that the rigour of research and academic excellence is matched with the highest level of national prestige and financial reward.”
Nigerians react as FG launches National Laureate Prize
@dqueenwarrior
Dr. Tunji, we appreciate your efforts greatly, but what's happening at the foundation level? Are the secondary schools getting real skills alongside their formal education? There have been no updates or schemes for implementation.
@RODELENZ
Interesting. Hopefully these research also translates into practical applications. There is so much we can do to help ourselves.
@Ahmed_oris
Well done, Hon. Minister. While this idea is commendable, there are several other challenges facing our tertiary education.
@Temitayomab
This is the right direction, Sir. Research-led education compels serious investment in our academic institutions, and my prayer is that this marks the beginning of a true revival of our universities and restores them to their rightful place as beacons of knowledge and deep thinking. Onwards and upwards
Femi Adebayo acknowledges students' research
Recall that Nigerian movie star Femi Adebayo grabbed the attention of online users following his exchange with a final-year project student.
The lady had earlier tagged him in a post about her work on his award-winning drama series.
Seven Doors Adebayo's Seven Doors premiered on Netflix in 2024, and his response to the student generated reactions online.
Nigerian scholar wins multi-million naira award.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Tony Okeke, a Nigerian scholar and former NNPC Science Quiz Champion, won a prestigious award from HESI, a Washington, DC, USA-based nonprofit organisation.
The award recognises his achievements in biomedical engineering and genetic toxicology.
It provides him with funds and opportunities to attend scientific events and join the HESI community.
Source: Legit.ng
