Adjudication Kicks Off for The Nigeria Prize for Science

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Momentum is building and adjudication is set to commence for the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science, with 112 entries handed over today to the Prize’s Advisory Board for onward transmission to the judges.

Caption: (L-R): Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (NLNG); Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development (NLNG); and members of The Nigeria Prize for Science Advisory Board – Prof. Barth Nnaji (Chairman), Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande (Member), and Prof. Yusuf Abubakar (Member) during the handover of entries for the 2025 edition of NLNG-sponsored prize held in Lagos…on Tuesday.
The Nigeria Prize for Science, arguably Africa’s richest and most prestigious science award, is worth $100,000.

The 2025 edition features the theme “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technologies for Development,” seeking solutions to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy.

Sponsored by NLNG, the Prize attracts entries from scientists worldwide (Nigerians and Non-Nigerians) and aims to identify and reward groundbreaking innovations that advance industry and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.

At a press conference in Lagos, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, formally handed over the 112 entries to the Advisory Board, chaired by renowned scientist Professor Barth Nnaji.

The handover marks the start of a rigorous evaluation process, during which a panel of distinguished judges will assess entries based on merit, originality, and potential impact on national development.

The competition is expected to be intense, reflecting rising global interest and innovation in AI and digital technology.

In her remarks, Horsfall highlighted that this year’s theme reflects the global shift toward technological transformation.

She stated: “This year’s Prize seeks to spotlight pioneering research and bold solutions that harness technologies to empower industries, uplift societies, and transform Nigeria’s development trajectory.”

She further added: “These technologies hold immense transformative potential for Nigeria.

As Africa’s largest economy and a nation blessed with a vibrant pool of young talent, we have a unique opportunity to harness digital innovation to develop scalable, globally relevant solutions that will drive sustainable socio-economic development.”

Professor Barth Nnaji, while receiving the entries, expressed his appreciation for the number of submissions. “The Board is greatly encouraged by the volume of entries.

The 2025 competition is shaping up to be intensely competitive, and we are confident it will showcase outstanding innovation,” he said.

He emphasised the transformative power of AI and digital technologies across sectors: “AI is rapidly reshaping nearly every aspect of modern life, driving innovation, improving efficiency, and unlocking new possibilities across industries.”

He added; “ In healthcare, AI enhances diagnostic accuracy and speed through advanced imaging and predictive tools. In education, it personalises learning experiences, helping teachers address challenges early using intelligent tutors and automated assessments.

In agriculture, AI enables precision farming by analysing sensor and satellite data to improve crop management and forecast yields.

These sector-wide transformations underscore AI’s growing role as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable progress.”
Other members of the Board are Chief Dr. Nike Akande, a two-time former Minister of Industry, and Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, a professor of quantitative genetics and animal breeding.

The Prize continues to champion innovation, creativity, and scientific excellence as key drivers of Nigeria’s development, while fostering a culture of research that positions the country at the forefront of global innovation.

The winning entry for the 2025 Prize will be unveiled at a world press conference scheduled for September.

Caption: (L-R): Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (NLNG); Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development (NLNG); and members of The Nigeria Prize for Science Advisory Board – Prof. Barth Nnaji (Chairman), Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande (Member), and Prof. Yusuf Abubakar (Member) during the handover of entries for the 2025 edition of NLNG-sponsored prize held in Lagos…on Tuesday.

NASENI Applauds President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy”

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy,” describing it as a bold step toward accelerating Nigeria’s industrial revolution and economic growth.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended the policy’s prioritization of locally made goods and indigenous solutions in government procurement. He said the directive would empower local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and technology innovators by giving them the necessary support to thrive.

“With Mr. President’s directive to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to revise and enforce guidelines in favor of local suppliers, we anticipate a significant increase in patronage of Nigerian-made products,” Mr. Halilu said. “Government is a major buyer of goods and services, and this move will translate into increased demand across key sectors.”

Describing the policy as “forward-thinking and revolutionary,” Mr. Halilu noted that NASENI has long championed local content through its own initiatives. He highlighted products developed by the agency, ranging from Nigerian-assembled vehicles and energy systems to smart irrigation tools and electronic devices, as evidence of the quality and competitiveness of local manufacturing.

He further referenced NASENI’s ongoing Made-in-Nigeria Strategic Focus Group meetings held across the country, aimed at driving awareness and understanding of consumer attitudes toward local products. These forums bring together experts, regulators, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and civil society actors to identify challenges and promote solutions for increasing local patronage.

“We are determined to be at the forefront of implementing the President’s vision,” Mr. Halilu stated. “But this is also a call to action for local producers. It is not enough to enjoy policy support, quality and standards must never be compromised. We must deliver products that compete favourably with imports and meet the needs of Nigerian consumers.”

NASENI, mandated to develop Nigeria’s science and engineering infrastructure, has been engaging stakeholders across states including Katsina, Lagos, Anambra, Delta, Kano, Kaduna, and Ogun to boost innovation, address manufacturing challenges, and encourage the adoption of homegrown solutions.

President Tinubu’s “Nigeria First Policy” directs the BPP to implement procurement reforms that prioritize local content and maintain a register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers.

Mr. Halilu concluded by affirming NASENI’s readiness to lead the charge: “We have seen the capacity and competence of our local manufacturers. They are ready. With the right support, we can achieve true industrialization powered by Nigerian solutions.”

NGX Chairman, Alhaji (Dr) Umaru kwairanga To Chair SUPERNEWS Confab June 19

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Chairman, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group is the Chairman of the SUPERNEWS Nigeria Annual Conference scheduled to hold on June 19th 2025 at Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos at 10am.

The conference with theme, Power Of AI: Enhancing Efficiency And Customer Satisfaction For Better Financial Services Experience will have the Managing Director of Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr Johnson Chukwu as its keynote speaker.

The Commissioner for Insurance, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr Olusegun Ayo Omosehin and the Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs Omolola Oloworaran will be Special guests of honour at the event.

Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga is an experienced investment professional with almost two decades of experience at the highest levels of the Capital Market, Banking and the Real Sector.

He possesses first and post graduate degrees in business administration, corporate governance and finance respectively.

He has also attended courses and training programs in fields relating to finance, investment and money market in reputable institutions including the Harvard Business School, New York Institute of Finance and the Wharton Business School.

Alhaji Kwairanga has professional certifications of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria and he is a member of the Abuja Commodities & Securities Exchange.

Alhaji Kwairanga has been Managing Director of a top notch stock broking firms for over a decade and a director in several blue chip organizations.

He is currently the Chairman of Ashaka Cement PLC, a prominent cement manufacturer in the North East of Nigeria and a quoted company on The Nigerian Exchange.

Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga as the Chairman of Ashaka Cement PLC, greatly improved the performance of the company and ensured that Gombe State Government and other local governments in Nigeria generated significant revenue from Ashaka Cement PLC through prompt payment of taxes and other statutory obligations.

The company has also been diligent in fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and maintaining excellent relations with its various stakeholders.

Alhaji Kwairanga is also the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Finmal Finance Services Ltd, Director, Jaiz Bank PLC, Director, Central Securities Clearing System PLC, Chairman, Penman PFA Ltd and President, Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria.

He is a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Industrial Relation, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and a Fellow of the Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria.

According to the convener, SUPERNEWS Nigeria Publisher, Ngozi Onyeakusi, the choice of Alhaji (Dr) Kwairanga as the Chairman of the conference is as result of his vast knowledge and wealth of experience in the financial services sector.

The conference will equally feature a panel session which will include renowned experts like the Founder/CEO, ZER Consultating Africa, Mrs Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, the Fmr. Managing Director, Hilal Takaful Insurance Limited, Mrs Thaibat Adeniran, the National President, Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN) Dr Uju Ogubunka and the Head Financial Institutions Ratings, Augusto & Co, Mr Ayokunle Olubunmi.

The epoch making event will be bringing together other regulators, key stakeholders in the financial services, ICT sector, informal sector and small business owners.

Commenting on the theme of the conference, Onyeakusi said Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption has the capacity to transform the Nigerian financial services sector.

AI technology, according to experts, has gained so much popularity in businesses that analysts put global business value earned through artificial intelligence at $3.9 trillion in 2022, from $1.2 trillion in 2018.

The technology is believed to be capable of facilitating financial inclusion, thus bridging the gap between the masses and financial services, helping to bring these services closer to the people seamlessly.

AI offers an unprecedented opportunity to reach more customers, reduce operational costs, and enhance customer experience.

This confab is a learning opportunity designed to enhance awareness, deepen understanding of participants on the imperative and use of AI in rendering banking, capital market, pension and insurance services, better, cheaper, faster and conveniently.