The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has announced the commencement of submissions for the prestigious 2025 Nigeria Prizes for Science and Literature, each offering a significant $100,000 award. As part of NLNG’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity, these annual awards have become a beacon of excellence for Nigerian and international scholars and writers.
This year, the Nigeria Prize for Science zeroes in on innovations within Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies. The theme reflects the global shift towards these technologies as crucial drivers of development. According to recent web reports, the focus on AI acknowledges its potential to add between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion to global corporate profits annually, highlighting its importance in reshaping industries and creating new job opportunities.
Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, emphasized the strategic importance of these fields: “The rapid evolution of AI and digital technologies provides a unique opportunity for Nigeria and other developing nations to leapfrog traditional development trajectories. We’re looking for innovations that not only demonstrate a proof of concept but also have a tangible social impact.”
On the literary front, the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature will celebrate prose fiction, inviting authors of Nigerian descent worldwide to submit their works. This cycle marks a return to one of the four genres the prize rotates among, including poetry, drama, and children’s literature. The literature award aims to mirror society through storytelling, offering insights into the collective experiences of Nigerians while envisioning a brighter future.
Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the Literature Prize, stated, “Prose literature is a mirror reflecting our society. 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.”
Submissions for both categories are now open, with the winners set to be announced in October 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of NLNG’s first LNG export. The high volume of entries, especially in the Prose Fiction category, underscores the enthusiasm and talent within Nigeria’s literary community. Past winners have included renowned works like “Yellow Yellow” by Kaine Agari and “The Son of the House” by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, showcasing the diversity and depth of Nigerian literature.
The prizes not only celebrate achievement but also significantly contribute to cultural and scientific discourse in Nigeria, encouraging a symbiotic relationship between science, technology, and the arts. This initiative by NLNG is part of a broader strategy to invest in human capital and innovation, aiming to drive national development through knowledge and creativity.
For more information on how to submit entries or details on the criteria, interested participants are encouraged to visit the official NLNG Prizes website or follow updates on social platforms, where the news has been trending.
This year’s focus on AI, digital technologies, and prose fiction not only highlights current global trends but also sets the stage for discovering new voices and innovations that could shape the future of Nigeria and beyond.
