The Nigeria Prizes spotlight AI, digital Innovation, prose fiction in 2025 edition


* Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu, Stephen Mbanefo Ogene, Olakunle Kasumu as 2025 literature prize jury members, with Grace Musila as International Consultant
By Editor
AFTER a successful first 20 years of sustainable prize administration, the Nigeria Prize for Science and The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Ltd (Nigeria LNG), have opened submissions for their 2025 awards. This year, the Science Prize is looking for innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technologies that can drive development. Meanwhile, the Literature Prize is calling for entries in Prose Fiction, a statement by the Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, said over the weekend.
The focus on AI comes as the technology continues to reshape global economies and industries, 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,” said Professor Barth Nnaji, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the science prize. “Our goal is to celebrate groundbreaking solutions that can directly impact Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development.
“Artificial Intelligence isn’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.”
With a USD$100,000 prize, the science competition is open to global scientists and innovators whose completed works demonstrate a proof of concept and tangible social impact.

Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, winner of the 2021 edition with The Son of the House
Also, The Nigeria Prize for Literature, one of the country’s most prestigious literary accolades, shifts its focus to Prose Fiction for the 2025 edition. Authors of Nigerian descent, resident anywhere in the world, are invited to submit books published from 2022 onward for a chance to win the USD 100,000 prize.
“Prose fiction is a mirror reflecting our society,” remarked Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board for literature prize. “Through storytelling, we find ways to understand our collective experiences and envision a better future. This year’s competition promises to bring forward stories that resonate deeply with both local and global audiences.”
Prose fiction continue to attract one of the highest number of entries since the inception of the prize in 2004. The last Prose Fiction cycle in 2000/2021 pooled over 200 entries from Nigeria authors. Only four (4) winning entries have emerged in the Prose Fiction competition since the inception of literature prize in 2004. Past winning entries include Yellow Yellow by Kaine Agari (2008), On Black Sisters’ Street by Chika Unigwe (2012), Season of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (2016) and The Son of the House by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia (2021).
Complementing these prizes 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 USD$10,000.
Speaking on the commencement of the prizes’ cycle, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, emphasised the significance of the 2025 competitions. She stated that research have shown the immense potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in reshaping global industries and societies, offering innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. She stated that as the world transitions 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.
Nigeria LNG continues to contribute significantly to national development by championing innovation, creativity and ensuring that science and literature remain vital pillars in shaping Nigeria’s future.
All applicants must submit their entries accompanied by an application form obtainable online from The Nigeria Prizes website, www.thenigeriaprizes.org. Completed forms must be printed and submitted along with the entries. Twelve (12) copies of entry and an e-copy of each entry, with evidence of Nigerian citizenship (photocopy of Nigerian passport or National Identity Card), may be submitted either by author or publisher. Books should be submitted to NLNG’s External Relations Division, promoters of the prize, by the stipulated deadline.
No book published before 2022 will be accepted. An author will enter only one published work. Unpublished work will not be considered. No book previously submitted for this competition may be re-submitted at a later date, even if major revisions have been made or a new edition published. The prize will be awarded for no other reason than excellence. No entry submitted after the stipulated deadline will be accepted. Failure to meet all stated conditions will lead to disqualification of the entry.
Entries should be sent to: The Nigeria Prize for Literature Secretariat, External Relations Division, NLNG Corporate Head Office, NLNG Road, Eastern By-Pass, Port Harcourt, Rivers State or The Nigeria Prize for Literature Secretariat, External Relations Division, NLNG Lagos Transit Office, 38 Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja GRA, Lagos or The Nigeria Prize for Literature Secretariat, External Relations Division, NLNG London Liaison Office, 4th Floor, Heron House, 10 Dean Farar Street, London SWH ODX, UK.
A panel of judges has been constituted for The Nigeria Prize for Literature by the Advisory Board for Literature, led by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo
(chairman), Professor Emeritus Olu Obafemi (member) and Professor Ahmed Yerima (member). The appointment of judges is done to reflect the genre in competition for the year. Persons appointed as judges have wide experience, peer recognition, good public image, and command respect nationally and internationally.
This year’s judges are Dr. Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu (chairperson – teaches English at Kwara State University, Malete), Professor Stephen Manefo Ogene (teaches English at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka) and Mr. Olakunle Kasumu (TV book promoter at Channels Book Club) as members, with Dr. Grace A. Musila as International Consultant.
Dr. Musila is an Associate Professor in the Department of African Literature at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. She obtained her BA (Hons) in Language and Literacy studies at Moi University and her MA and Ph.D degrees in African Literature at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her teaching and research interest centers on Anglophone African Literature, African Popular Culture, African Feminism and biography. She took up an appointment as a writing consultant at WTIS Writing Center, taught in other prestigious institutions such as the University of Johannesburg, Stellenbosch University as a tutor and lecturer.
The competition is exclusively for Nigerian writers, irrespective of their place of residence. Applicants must be prepared to participate in the prize’s processes, including interviews, media tours and book readings.
Entry closes on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Late entries will not be considered. For further information, visit the Prizes’ website: www.thenigeriaprizes.org. The winner(s), if any, will be announced and presented in October 2025.