Nigeria Prize Shortlisted Nikki May ‘Cried For Joy’ After BusinessDay Review

Nikki May, shortlisted for the NLNG Prize for Literature, expressed immense joy after reading a recent review of her book, This Motherless Land, in the Sunday, October 5, 2025 edition of BusinessDay. According to her, the candid review moved her to tears.

In a message to Nia Ihuoma Alexxis, the author wrote: “Your review made me cry. With joy. You got it. I am grateful.”

Nia Ihuoma Alexxis, in her review featured in BusinessDay’s “Executive Bookshelf” section discussing the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature shortlist, lauded Nikki May’s work.

“Some books entertain you; some move you. But then some grab you by the hand, drag you across the pages, and leave you feeling transformed. Nikki May’s This Motherless Land clearly fits into that last category,” Alexxis wrote.

” This Motherless Land is not just a novel; it’s an entire journey. It’s Lagos traffic and Somerset rain; it’s cousins who become each other’s lifeline; it’s grief, jealousy, inheritance, identity — and that complicated kind of love that isn’t romantic but still manages to feel earth-shaking. May gave us Wahala, and now she’s back — bigger, bolder, and, dare I say, even better.”

Alexxis affirmed, ” This Motherless Land is a stunning, moving, funny, and unforgettable work. Buy it. Please read it. Lend it out. Snatch it back before your friend forgets!” She added, “And if it does go on to claim the NLNG Prize, you’ll be able to say you knew before the judges did.”

BusinessDay has been covering the shortlisted works, with previous reviews including Uzor Maxim Uzoatu’s piece on Chigozie Obioma’s The Road To The Country. The remaining shortlisted title is Oyin Olugbile’s Sanya.

Nikki May and Oyin Olugbile are the two female writers among the three finalists. Chigozie Obioma is the sole male contender. These three authors were selected from 152 entries.

The winner of the $100,000 prize will be announced this Friday at the Grand Awards Night. The literature prize will be the highlight of the evening, as the Science Prize Committee determined that none of the entries met the required standard.

“The Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science has announced that there will be no winner for the 2025 edition, following the judges’ dissatisfaction with the overall quality of entries received,” NLNG stated.

Professor Barth Nnaji, Chairman of the Advisory Board, explained at a press briefing in Lagos that after a rigorous adjudication of the 112 entries, none were deemed suitable for the Prize.

He stated that the difficult decision reinforced the Board’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the selection process and protecting the reputation of the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Science.

He noted that the Prize is not just about rewarding scientific output but also about safeguarding the values of creativity, originality, and scientific rigour that define truly outstanding work.

“To lower the bar would be to betray the trust of the public and diminish the legacy of the Prize itself,” Professor Nnaji affirmed.

He commended all entrants for their courage and dedication, noting that their efforts reflected discipline and a desire to contribute to both national and global scientific discourse.

He emphasised that excellence transcends effort, requiring innovation, mastery of craft, and the ability to leave a lasting impact on human thought and development.

The Board chairman urged Nigerian scientists, researchers, and innovators to be inspired by the judges’ verdict to do more and strive higher.

“The Nigeria Prize exists to celebrate only the finest achievements, work that embodies originality, withstands scrutiny, and elevates scientific discourse. Where these qualities are absent, we cannot, in good conscience, bestow the Prize,” he stated.