- Unveils Tasks For NPSI Stakeholders As Challenge Entries Surge
By Clifford Agugoesi, Editor-in-Chief
Managers of the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation(NPSI)are optimistic technology remains the potent antidote to address currents of underdevelopment in Nigeria nay Africa.
Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at NLNG, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, made this point while delivering the vote of thanks at the NPSI Handover of Entries press conference, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, south west, Nigeria Thursday, May 14, 2026.
“For a country like ours, with vast geography and a vibrant, young, rapidly growing population, technology is the only tool that can scale fast enough to match our challenges. While I was still seated, I asked myself a question: Why are we still responding to challenges after they have happened, when we now have the means to anticipate them? And if the knowledge exists, then what exactly is holding us back? NLNG called on our scientists and innovators to put their best foot forward and they have answered that call,” she stated.
While disclosing NPSI has moved from the administrative phase to the evaluative phase, even as the Secretariat stepped back to let the Advisory Board and the judges begin their work, Palmer-Ikuku said there were a few things that must be said.
Her words: “For the scientists, innovators, researchers and the coders who have put their work forward this year; I want to speak to you directly. It takes a unique kind of courage to submit your work to be scrutinised by a panel of experts. I know that for many of you, these entries are years of sweat, failed experiments, and moments of lonely persistence. You are showing the world that solutions to African challenges are not just possible, they are already happening.
Perhaps you were one of the people we met during our Roadshows. To see the numbers rise to 237 this year tells me that you did not look at last year’s verdict as a deterrent. Instead, you saw it as a challenge.
“Respected members of the Advisory Board and the panel of judges: the baton is now firmly in your hands. Your continued steer in the search for excellence brought to this process are deeply valued. We know that at the end of the adjudication, you shall give the award only to the best work that is practical, scalable, and truly transformative for our socio-economic landscape. We trust your integrity implicitly.
“We also owe a debt of gratitude to the media. As the fourth estate, You have always played a crucial role in igniting conversations about science, innovation, and the future of our country. We encourage you to continue in this important work.
As we all look forward to seeing what these entries will reveal about the state of Nigerian science and innovation, we should open our minds to the possibilities.
Thank you all for being here. Thank you for your continued belief in the power of science and innovation to transform lives. And thank you for joining us on this journey.
Stay safe out there.”
