Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has been named Public Sector Person of the Year at the 6th Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards, in recognition of his efforts to reposition the country’s science, technology and innovation sector.
Udeh received the award on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, following his administration’s focus on research commercialisation, institutional reforms and the development of market-ready innovations.
In explaining the choice, Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, organisers of the event, said Udeh had distinguished himself since assuming office in November 2025 through a results-driven approach that prioritises measurable outcomes over routine administrative activities.
The publication highlighted his efforts to align the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and its 17 agencies with clear performance targets, while strengthening the link between scientific research and practical economic benefits.
It also noted that his professional background as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, former Enugu State Attorney-General and public-law scholar had shaped his approach to institutional reform and performance-driven leadership.
Among the minister’s key priorities, according to the magazine, are accelerating local value addition to raw materials, promoting indigenous technologies in agriculture, energy and safety, establishing innovation hubs and model laboratories, and expanding international partnerships in artificial intelligence and technology transfer.
The publication further identified his **Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN)** initiative as a major component of his reform agenda. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between research institutions and the marketplace by promoting the conversion of research outputs into commercially viable products and services.
Other flagship programmes credited to his leadership include the Tinubu Light Initiative, NextGen Innovation Challenge, and Youths and Students in Innovation, which the magazine said were designed to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and create opportunities for young people and technology-driven businesses.
The magazine also recognised Udeh’s emphasis on skills development and building a future-ready workforce to support technological advancement, industrial competitiveness and sustainable development.
It said the initiatives were helping to position science, technology and innovation as important drivers of economic diversification and industrial growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The award was presented at the 6th edition of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards, which was held under the theme, “Barrel to Ballot: The Naturalisation of Violence, Nigeria’s Polity and its Democratic Circus.”
The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, chaired the event, while renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, delivered the keynote address.
The panel session featured former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani; APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Dr. Ben Nwoye; Prof. Okey Ikechukwu; President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua; and Zainab Buba Galadima.
Organised annually by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, the event brings together political leaders, policymakers, professionals and other stakeholders to examine issues affecting governance, democracy and development in Nigeria and Africa.
Launched in 2021, the Frontier Discourse platform provides an avenue for engagement between African leaders and citizens, while recognising individuals and institutions whose contributions advance the continent’s development.
