FG Launches ₦365m National Laureate Programme for Student Research

The Federal Government has officially commenced the 2026 National Laureate Programme, marking the first edition of a nationwide initiative aimed at recognising outstanding student research, innovation and academic excellence across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The programme, announced by the Tertiary Institutions National Laureate Committee, is designed to identify, assess and reward exceptional undergraduate dissertations, master’s theses and doctoral research from accredited universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, monotechnics, military institutions and other eligible tertiary institutions. The initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s research ecosystem, promoting innovation and positioning scholarship as a key driver of national development.
Established under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON, the programme is backed by an annual research prize fund of ₦365 million. It offers Star Prizes of ₦35 million for the undergraduate category, ₦50 million for the master’s category and ₦100 million for the doctoral category. In addition, 15 Thematic Laureate Awards, worth ₦12 million each, will be presented to other outstanding research works across six thematic areas, including Agriculture, Teaching Innovation, Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology, Law, and Arts and Social Sciences.
Eligible institutions have been directed to immediately establish Institutional Laureate Selection Committees made up of experienced academics with strong research credentials and integrity. The committees are expected to oversee internal evaluations and submit the names of their chairman, secretary and members. Universities may nominate up to 18 research works—six undergraduate dissertations, six master’s theses and six doctoral theses—while equivalent categories apply to other eligible institutions.
The Committee stated that every nominated research work must first be submitted to the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) and assigned a valid National Document Number (NDN) before it can qualify for the competition. It added that the programme will operate a three-stage evaluation process comprising Institutional, Regional (Zonal) and National assessments to ensure transparency, fairness and merit in selecting the country’s finest academic research.
The National Laureate Committee also urged professional bodies in agriculture, science, engineering, medicine, law, arts, social sciences, teaching and related fields to nominate qualified scholars for appointment to the Regional Laureate Selection Committees. Those selected will participate in the independent regional evaluation of research submissions before the national assessment.
Institutions and professional bodies have been advised to complete the selection of committee members and subject experts by August 15, 2026, while submissions of institutional entries will remain open until August 31, 2026, including mandatory digital submissions through the National Laureate portal.
Chairman of the National Laureate Committee, Emeritus Professor Abubakar S. Sambo (OON), described the initiative as a landmark investment in Nigeria’s intellectual capital. He said the programme is designed to elevate academic excellence, encourage world-class research, inspire innovation and recognise scholars whose work can transform lives, industries and the nation’s future. He urged all eligible institutions and professional associations to participate actively in ensuring the success of the inaugural edition.
The Committee said detailed guidelines, committee manuals and application procedures are available on the National Laureate Programme website, alongside the Committee Guide and Application Guide for prospective participants.