Tinubu Govt Unveils National Laureate Prize to Reward Best Theses

The Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has launched the Nigeria National Laureate Annual Prize Programme, a landmark initiative designed to reward outstanding student research across tertiary institutions nationwide. The programme aims to elevate academic excellence, research innovation, and intellectual achievement to the forefront of national recognition.

According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, students whose dissertations and theses demonstrate exceptional scholarly quality and commercial viability will receive significant cash prizes and national recognition. Winners will be celebrated as National Laureates, reflecting the country’s commitment to fostering research-driven development.

The awards are structured as follows:

• Undergraduate dissertation winners: ₦5 million
• Master’s thesis winners: ₦10 million
• Doctoral (PhD) thesis winners: ₦20 million

Announcing the programme, Education Minister Tunji Alausa described it as a strategic national intervention aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s educational incentives. He stressed that the initiative underscores the importance of research as a driver of industrialisation and national development, ensuring that students’ academic efforts are matched with prestige and financial reward.

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“By elevating our students to the status of celebrated National Laureates, we are ensuring that the rigour of research and academic excellence is matched with the highest level of national prestige and financial reward,” Alausa said, adding that theses should be viewed as potential blueprints for national progress, not merely graduation requirements.

The programme will be fully financed by the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) and its strategic partners, ensuring sustainability without additional pressure on public funds. Oversight is provided by a 10-member National Laureate Prize Committee, chaired by Prof. Abubakar Sambo, with representatives from the Nigerian Academy of Sciences, Nigerian Academy of Letters, National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), TETFund, and other academic bodies.

The call for entries will commence in May 2026, with evaluations taking place between June and September, and winners to be honoured at the National Laureate Gala in Abuja in November 2026. The initiative also highlights sustainability and innovation, ensuring that research contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

Officials say the programme encourages students to pursue groundbreaking research that can directly impact policy, technology, and industry, while boosting Nigeria’s global academic reputation.

Tinubu Govt Unveils National Laureate Prize to Reward Best Theses

JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Mock Results, Delists Over 20 CBT Centres

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 UTME Mock results, following the nationwide mock examination conducted on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The announcement was made on Tuesday by JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, providing candidates with guidance on how to check their results. According to the board, a total of 224,597 candidates registered for the mock UTME, with 152,586 candidates successfully sitting for the test across 989 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide. Candidates can check their scores by sending the keyword “MOCKRESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the same SIM number used during UTME registration.

In a significant move to maintain exam integrity, JAMB also announced the delisting of over 20 CBT centres that faced operational challenges during the mock exam. The affected centres experienced server failures, power outages, and delayed test sessions, which disrupted the examination for many candidates. The board clarified that these centres will remain ineligible for future UTME exercises until they meet the required technical and infrastructure standards.

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JAMB further issued a stern warning against fraudsters claiming to manipulate mock or main UTME scores, particularly on messaging platforms like WhatsApp. The board emphasised that such claims are criminal, cautioning candidates that any involvement could result in cancellation of registration, withholding of results, or withdrawal of scores even after the main exam. Candidates were urged to rely solely on official communication channels for information regarding the UTME.

The main 2026 UTME is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 16, 2026. JAMB encouraged candidates to use the mock results as an opportunity to assess their readiness, identify areas for improvement, and familiarise themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system. While mock scores do not contribute to final UTME results, they offer valuable insights for performance improvement and preparation ahead of the main examination.

JAMB continues to emphasise the importance of exam integrity, accurate registration details, and adherence to official guidelines to ensure a smooth, credible, and fair UTME process for all candidates.

JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Mock Results, Delists Over 20 CBT Centres

WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates 

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) timetable for school candidates across its member countries. The final international schedule, shared on WAEC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, provides students with a clear roadmap for exam preparation, ensuring they can plan their revision and practical work effectively.

According to the timetable, the 2026 WASSCE will commence on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and conclude on Friday, June 19, 2026, spanning nearly nine weeks of examinations. The exams will kick off with Foods and Nutrition 3 (Practical) Planning Session and Home Management 3 (Practical) Planning Session, marking the start of both practical and theory assessments.

The timetable covers core subjects such as English Language and Mathematics, which are compulsory for all candidates, as well as a broad range of elective papers in sciences, arts, humanities, vocational, and technical subjects. Key science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, while elective options span Economics, Government, Geography, Metalwork, and Applied Technology.

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WAEC advised all candidates to carefully check the timetable, confirm their exam dates with school authorities, and ensure they arrive at examination centres fully equipped with approved materials. The council also encouraged students to use the timetable to avoid subject clashes, prepare for both written and practical assessments, and manage study time efficiently.

The WASSCE is a crucial qualification for secondary school students in English-speaking West Africa, serving as the gateway for university and tertiary institution admissions. The exam is conducted annually in WAEC member countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, and is recognised as a key academic milestone in the region.

With the release of the 2026 timetable, students, parents, and school authorities now have a complete guide to plan study schedules, revision sessions, and exam strategies, helping ensure candidates are well-prepared to succeed.

WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates