Twenty-nine scientists will vie to find long-lasting solutions to erosions, droughts and desertification plaguing different parts of the country in the 2019 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).
The science prize, first awarded in 2004 and now in its 15th year, comes with a cash prize of $100, 000.
Details on the 2019 prize contest were revealed on Tuesday during the handover of the 2019 entries to the Advisory Board of the prize.
The activity signifies the beginning of the judging process which will culminate in the announcement of a winner.
While handing over the entries to the Advisory Board, chaired by Prof. Alfred Susu, NLNG’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Andy Odeh said “the business of scientific innovation and research is not an easy task anywhere in the world. In Nigeria, it is even more difficult because of the paucity of research funds and the resulting increasing lack of interest.”
Odeh pointed out that although climate change remains a myth to so many people, its impact can be seen on our environment and agriculture.
The entries, which came in response to a call for entries published in the national dailies in February 2019, will be examined on their merits of excellence in advancing the frontiers of knowledge in or providing innovative solutions to the issue of climate change in Nigeria.
Receiving the entries on behalf of the Advisory Board, Prof. Susu, remarked that regardless of how large or small the number of entries is, the judging process for the competition must take its course.
The entries were immediately handed over to the panel of judges, chaired by Prof. Deborah Ajakaiye.
In her remarks, she assured Nigerians that the judges were completely aligned to NLNG’s core values of integrity and excellence in carrying out their duties.
She added that finding solutions to climate change through the prize is timely as there are forces fast eating up the land mass from all corners of the country.
