₦365m up for grabs as FG rolls out biggest student research prize

…Directs universities, polytechnics to set up selection panels

By John Alechenu

ABUJA — The Federal Government has launched the 2026 edition of the Tertiary Institutions National Laureate Programme, with a total prize pool of ₦365 million to reward outstanding student research across tertiary institutions.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is backing the initiative, which will recognise outstanding undergraduate projects, master’s theses and doctoral research from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, monotechnics and military institutions.

The Chairman of the National Laureate Committee, Emeritus Prof. Abubakar Sambo, announced the commencement of this year’s programme in a letter dated July 31, 2026, addressed to vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts and commandants.