Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) has continued to press ahead with its support towards creating fresh opportunities for industries in Nigeria to meet their needs through investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation an annual event by the Company which encourages innovation with intention to improve knowledge and creativity has unlocked overwhelming opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to Prof. Bart Nnaji, This year’s competition has been particularly significant. The theme, “Innovations in Artificial Intelligence or ICT or Digital Technologies for Development,” was deliberately retained from the 2025 edition, which concluded without a winner because no entry met the exceptionally high standards required for selection. That decision, though difficult, reflected our unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity, credibility, and global standing of the Prize.
Intuitively, the advisory board for this Prize considers every call for entry, an opportunity to innovate and celebrate excellence. So, we were happy that the retention of the same theme challenged the innovation community and attracted 237 entries, the highest number of submissions in the history of the Prize.
Nnaji, who is the Chairman, Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation, while announcing the 2026 Winner, said The overwhelming participation in the 2026 edition underscores the inherent capacity, and determination of Nigerian innovators to develop solutions that can address real-world challenges through emerging technologies.
He went on to say, “The significance of this year’s theme cannot be overstated. We are living through a period in which artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping every aspect of human life, from healthcare and education to agriculture, finance, energy, and even entertainment. “
Nnaji, noted that the implication is that every research work done in this field is commendable, whether it is for the sake of this Prize or indeed for any other reason. I can say that the field is quite green with a lot of opportunities that can have great global impact.
Following a rigorous, independent, and transparent evaluation process, the Panel of Judges identified three exceptional innovations as finalists. These are: GenScan AI (GenMRI/C-MORE) by Mary-Brenda Akoda; EwaDx Smart Bra Diagnostic Device by Kemisola Bolarinwa; Accuracy and Reliability of MedBrain in Assisting Triage and Diagnosis of Common Acute Paediatric Conditions in Ethiopia by Pol Ricart and Paul Dinwoke.
Each of these entries demonstrated ingenuity, scientific merit, and a propensity to solve critical societal challenges. They are all worthy of recognition and commendation.
However, after detailed assessments against the approved criteria and careful consideration of their innovation, impact, technical depth, scalability, and practical application, one entry consistently achieved the highest scores across all judges.
I am therefore pleased to announce that Mary-Brenda Akoda’s GenScan AI was unanimously selected as the winner of the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation.
The judges agreed thot the work’s AI-powered MRI reconstruction technology, directly addresses a critical healthcare challenge by significantly reducing MRI acquisition times while maintaining, and potentially enhancing, image quality.
In practical terms, this means that hospitals and diagnostic centres can serve more patients using existing MRI infrastructure, while improving diagnostic efficiency and expanding access to quality healthcare.
According to a survey conducted in 2016-2018 and published in Pan African Medical Journal in 2018, Nigeria has 58 installed MRI machines, but true current number of functional units may differ and is not publicly confirmed in a single official, up-to-date database.
Although GenScanAI would not increase the physical number of MRI machines in Nigeria, its potential impact is to make every compatible existing scanner process far more patients effectively expanding usable MRI capacity without buying new machines .
By shortening time per examination, GenScan AI would potentially reduce waiting lists and enable earlier diagnosis, allow imaging centres to serve more patients with the existing machines. This is a significant outcome for this years process as this is the main goal for setting up The Nigeria Prize for Science & Innovation by Nigeria LNG Limited.
“Let me specially commend all the participants in this year’s competition. Your work contributes to the advancement of knowledge and to the development of more solutions that can potentially transform lives. That is what NLNG, sponsor of this prize seeks to achieve, in line with its vision of being a globally competitive energy company, improving lives sustainably.” Nnaji said.
He commended NLNG for its unwavering commitment to this aspiration.
Also, speaking, Dr Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, stressed that For more than two decades, The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation has brought national attention to some of the finest minds in our laboratories, universities and research institutions. The Prize has also highlighted the urgent need for our scientists at home and abroad to continue to aspire for outstanding scientific research that contribute to Nigeria’s social advancement and the body of knowledge.
“Today, we are here to receive the outcome of the 2026 contest. The spotlight is on Innovations in Artificial Intelligence, or Information Communication Technology, or Digital Technologies for Development. While last year’s cycle ended without a winner, the 237 entries received this year on the same theme reflects the renewed determination of our scientists and innovators to demonstrate the enterprise and can-do spirit that is inherent in the global research and innovation space.”