Emeka Ike to host National Automation Prize 2026 with over ₦50m in prizes

Nollywood actor Emeka Ike will host the third edition of the National Automation Prize (NAP 2026), organisers Advanxis Technologies & Process Automation Ltd have announced.

The competition is a national engineering and technology contest that mixes practical problem-solving with reality television. More than ₦50m is up for grabs across individual and higher institution categories, according to the organisers.

This year's theme is "Build for Nigeria. Automate for Scale. Compete with the World." Entries are expected to focus on manufacturing, energy, agriculture, water, security and public infrastructure.

Ike, who says he trained as an engineer before turning to acting, said the prize is a chance to give engineers the kind of national attention music, film and sports stars already enjoy.

"It is time to put our engineers and Technologists on the biggest stage," he said.

Advanxis managing director Engr. Anthony James said bringing Ike on board blends engineering, entertainment and inspiration, and helps make innovation a national priority.

What is at stake for participants

The organisers say the competition is not only about one winner. They want young Nigerians to see engineering as a path to invention, enterprise and industrial development, rather than leaving the country as a buyer of technology designed elsewhere.

Past editions in 2024 and 2025 handed millions of naira in cash prizes to winners for engineering and technological ingenuity, according to Advanxis. NAP 2025 winner Samuel Udofia spoke during the televised event, and second runner-up Michael Nwuzu also featured in broadcast coverage.

The higher institution category includes state-of-the-art digitalised equipment and training or mentorship for the top three institutions. The organisers argue that such equipment keeps supporting student projects and laboratory teaching long after the cameras leave.

Planned television outreach includes major national television and cable TV, though the organisers said specific broadcast arrangements are still subject to confirmation.

What happens next

Students, inventors and teams interested in taking part can find participation and partnership details on the organiser's website, www.advanxis.com/prize3. The organisers have offices in Lagos and Port Harcourt for media and partnership enquiries.

For everyday Nigerians, the prize is a rare national spotlight on homegrown solutions to problems like water treatment, factory automation and farm robotics — the kind of tools that could eventually affect jobs, food and basic services.