Nigerian scientist wins $100,000 NLNG prize for AI MRI breakthrough

Nigerian AI researcher Mary Brenda Akoda claimed victory in the prestigious 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation (NPSI) with her groundbreaking AI-powered technology, GenScan AI. The award was presented at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday after an evaluation panel, chaired by former Communications Minister Dr Omobola Johnson, deemed her innovation superior to 237 other entries.

As a first-time winner and the first millennial and woman to receive the prize individually, Akoda's achievement highlights the increasing influence of women and millennials in science and innovation. Dr Sophia Horsfall, NLNG's General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasized the high standard of the competition, noting the 2026 edition had a zero winner verdict in the previous year.

NLNG, with the theme "Innovations in Artificial Intelligence, ICT and Digital Technologies for Development", attracted the highest number of entries ever. The judging process prioritized innovations with practical relevance, measurable impact, and real-world applicability, recognizing that GenScan AI excels in all these aspects.

The technology accelerates MRI image reconstruction while maintaining or improving image quality, potentially increasing scanner utilization, reducing patient wait times, and expanding MRI access in resource-constrained healthcare systems like Nigeria. Akoda, a First-Class Computer Science graduate from Goldsmiths, University of London, and a Master of Research with Distinction in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Imperial College London, brings extensive experience in AI research from Microsoft.

She will receive the US$100,000 prize at a ceremony on October 9, 2026. The NPSI aims to promote scientific excellence and encourage sustainable societal impact through innovation, aligning with the Federal Government's efforts to boost innovation across Nigeria. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) recently announced plans to develop a National Innovation Hub Standards Framework to strengthen innovation hubs nationwide and support startups and technology-driven businesses.