FG Opens ₦365m National Research Prize for Outstanding Tertiary Institution Students

The Federal Government has launched applications for the 2026 Tertiary Institutions National Laureate Prize, a ₦365 million annual programme aimed at rewarding exceptional research and innovation in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Announcing the initiative, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the programme is designed to encourage research-driven solutions, innovation and entrepreneurship among students and researchers across universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education.

The prize scheme features awards for outstanding undergraduate, master’s and doctoral research projects, alongside thematic excellence awards covering key fields such as science and technology, medicine, agriculture, law, arts and social sciences, and teaching innovation.

Eligible entries must demonstrate originality, practical relevance and the potential to address national development challenges. Research works are also expected to meet established academic integrity standards.

Participation is open to students and researchers in accredited federal, state and private tertiary institutions. However, submissions must be made through institutions, which are required to nominate outstanding works through their designated selection committees.

To qualify, research projects, dissertations or theses must be uploaded to the national academic repository and assigned the required identification number before nomination.

Education authorities advised students seeking consideration for the prize to focus on high-impact research with commercial, industrial or developmental value and to work closely with supervisors and institutional administrators during the nomination process.

Institutions are expected to screen and submit their strongest entries through the official laureate platform before the August 31 deadline.

Successful entries will undergo evaluation at institutional, regional and national levels, with winners expected to be recognised at a national award ceremony later in the year.

The programme is expected to promote a stronger research culture within Nigeria’s tertiary education system while encouraging solutions to pressing national challenges through academic innovation.Meta Description: FG opens applications for the ₦365m National Laureate Prize, rewarding outstanding research and innovation by students across Nigerian tertiary institutions.