Dr Mary-Brenda Akoda Wins 2026 Nigeria Science Prize

The Federal Government of Nigeria stated that the country cannot compete globally without sustained investment in science and research. This was articulated by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, during the public presentation of the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation (NPSI) in Abuja.

Dr Mary-Brenda Akoda won the prize for her GenScan AI technology, which can reduce MRI scan times by up to 90 percent, emerging from 237 entries. Alausa reflected on the previous year's absence of a winner, urging a reassessment of Nigeria's approach to science and innovation.

He praised Akoda's achievement as evidence of the potential for Nigeria's education system to produce globally competitive innovators. Alausa encouraged Akoda to explore broader applications of her technology and to protect its intellectual property due to its commercial potential.

Dr Sophia Horsfall from NLNG highlighted the importance of accurate diagnostics in effective treatment, noting challenges in MRI scan quality.