Federal Government has officially begun the 2026 edition of the Tertiary Institutions National Laureate Programme, a new national initiative aimed at identifying, rewarding and promoting outstanding academic research produced in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

In a letter written to all vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts and commandants of higher institutions last Friday, the Chairman, National Laureate Committee, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, announced that the programme would recognise exceptional undergraduate dissertations, master’s theses and doctoral research(es) from accredited universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, monotechnics, military institutions and other eligible tertiary institutions across the country.

Backed by a yearly prize fund of N365 million, the National Laureate Programme is Nigeria’s most prestigious academic award for students in tertiary institutions across the country, with the objective of promoting research excellence, innovation, commercialisation of research findings and national development.

Announcing the commencement of the inaugural edition, the Chairman called on the heads of eligible tertiary institutions to begin preparations for participation immediately.

According to the National Laureate’s guidelines as approved by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, every accredited institution is expected to establish an Institutional Laureate Selection Committee made up of experienced academics with proven research credentials and high ethical standards.

Institutions are also required to formally submit names and designations of the Chairman, Secretary and members of the Committee as part of the implementation process.

The programme offers star prizes of N35 million for the undergraduate category, N50 million for the master’s category, and N100 million for the doctoral category.

In addition, 15 Thematic Laureate Awards valued at N12 million each would be presented to other outstanding winners.