National Young Researchers Awards

NYA National Young Researchers’ Prizes 2026

The annual awards celebrate original research contributions by young Nigerian scholars working in Chemical Sciences, Health Sciences, and Microbiology. Established through endowments from distinguished Nigerian academics, the prizes are designed to promote excellence, innovation, and sustained research impact within the country.

Each award category carries a ₦1,000,000 cash prize and is named in honor of leading Nigerian scientists, including Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Prof. Friday Okonofua, and Prof. Oyewale Tomori.

Eligible applicants must be Nigerian citizens under the age of 40, actively engaged in research or teaching within Nigeria, and have a strong record of peer-reviewed publications. Applications are open to both male and female researchers, with a maximum of four awards available for each prize category.

The application window runs from 23 January to 25 April 2026, and submissions must be completed online, including academic credentials and referee recommendations.

The NYA notes that the initiative is part of its broader mission to encourage young researchers to pursue impactful, globally relevant research while contributing to national development.

 

Application Period: 23rd January – 25th April, 2026

Eligibility

  • Be conducting research in a higher institution or a not-for-profit research institution based in Nigeria.

  • Be Nigerian citizens who live and work in Nigeria for at least 3 years.

  • Be 40 years old or below as at the deadline for application.

  • Have a strong record of research publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals.

  • Be members or non-members of the Nigerian Young Academy (NYA).

  • Note that NYA members are not eligible to compete for NYA membership while applying for these prizes.

  • Understand that multiple applications or applications for more than one prize will lead to automatic disqualification.

References

  • Candidates must obtain three (3) reference letters from their referees.
  • The letters must be uploaded during the online application.

How To Apply

Prize Categories

  • Prof. Kayode Adebowale National Young Researcher’s Prize in Chemical Sciences

  • Prof. Friday Okonofua National Young Researcher’s Prize in Health Sciences.

  • Prof. Oyewale Tomori National Young Researcher’s Prize in Microbiology

  • Prof. Willie Siyanbola National Young Researchers’ Prize in Innovation and Policy Studies (Instituted in 2023)
  • Prof Hillary Inyang National Young Scientist Prize in Geoenvironmental Sciences (instituted in 2021).
  • Prof. Olurotimi Taiwo National Young Researcher Prize in Linguistics (instituted in 2018)

Annual National Young Researcher’s Awards

With a view to encouraging other early to mid-career researchers who are not members of the NYA, seven annual competitive awards have been instituted in recognition of excellent young researchers in the country. These awards are part of the Academy’s contribution (in collaboration with donors) to promoting the development of science and technology as well as a robust research culture (in line with global best practice) in Nigeria.

Original research, excellence and societal relevance of research works presented are considered as topmost factors in assessing these applications. Members of the Academy are not allowed to contest for these awards so as to avoid any form of conflict of interest.

These prizes are kind donations from senior erudite scholars who out of their generosity fund the prizes monetarily while the Academy provides a certificate as well as fund the administration of the prizes. All except one of the current prize donors are Fellows of Senior Academies in Nigeria of which four are Fellows of NAS and one is a Fellow of Nigerian Academy of Letters. In all, the Academy now administers seven national prizes:

Award Category