The Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science, yesterday, announced a novel scientific work on respiratory technologies for keeping Nigerian new-born babies alive by Prof. Hippolite Amadi as the winner of the 2023 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science.
The Prize, worth $100,000, is sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).
The Prize’s Advisory Board, led by Prof. Barth Nnaji, announced the judges’ verdict based on the 2023 theme “Innovation for Enhancement of Healthcare Therapy” at a press conference.
Speaking on the verdict, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr. Andy Odeh, said the decision of the judges was a testament to the power of collaboration between the private sector, academia, and the broader scientific community.
He stated that the outcome emphasised the need for collective responsibility to nurture and support innovative solutions that hold the promise of transforming the country, adding that it aligns perfectly with NLNG’s vision of “helping to build a better Nigeria” where ground-breaking ideas flourish, and every life is valued and protected.
Referring to the judges’ report, Nnaji said the work by Amadi has not only significantly advanced neonatal care in Nigeria and similar countries, but has further improved access and lowered the cost of neonatal care by causing an observed reduction in the market prices of the competing and existing devices.
Amadi is a visiting professor of Medical Engineering and Technology at Imperial College, London with a special interest in the development of affordable medical systems.
The decision on the winning entry was reached by a panel of judges, led by Prof. Joseph Ahaneku of Chemical Pathology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
