The Awards boast of what is arguably the most rigorous nomination/screening process for any of the major awards in the county, and this process – which has become one of its major strengths – is one of the attributes the organizers guard very jealously, and continue to strengthen from year to year.
The judging process
· After all the nominations have been collated, the Central Working Committee selects 8 nominees per category – this is the long list.
· The names of the 8 nominees are published and publicized for two weeks – so anyone with complaints about any of the nominees can contact the organizers.
· The list goes to the Board of Judges made up of 30 young journalists from major media houses from around the country.
· At the same time the public voting starts. In all, decisions of the board of judges constitutes 50% and public voting constitutes the other 50% – this determines who will be on the short list of 5 people per category.
· The short list is then sent to The Independent Audit Committee made up of 30 distinguished Nigerians, headed by Chairman of The Guardian Editorial Board, Dr. Reuben Abati, who determines who the 3 finalists will be.
· The 3 finalists are then sent back to the board of judges who make the final decision.
PLEASE NOTE
- The entire process of choosing a winner takes 14 weeks on the whole
- All nominees must show documentation and proof of achievements.
- There will be physical verification (e.g. visiting of offices) for some of the representations name.
- Any judge who is nominated after the two month period of nominations, will automatically cease to be a judge.
- After nominations end on the 31st of November, the list of nominees will be published so that any complaints or objections against any nominee(s) can be sent immediately. All complaints will be treated confidentially
- If there is any doubt/objection about anything presented, such must be cleared by the nominee three days following notification, after which the Central Working Committee reserves the right to withdraw or reverse nomination/award. Also the Chairman of the Audit Committee has the power of veto in case of compelling new information. This could also be for reasons of public policy.
- Unlike many Nigerian awards, the process is long but also fruitful. In fact, many candidates describe the selection procedure as one of the most difficult but enlightening experiences of their careers. Selected nominees must fill forms that would communicate their statuses, scrutinize their methods, and reflect on themselves as individuals. In this way, more than a means to an end, our selection process generates robust discussion, sharpens ideas, and focuses tremendous energy into the individual’s work in particular.
- The judges’ decisions are final.
Be a part of Nigeria’s biggest youth event,Nominate now but before you do check out the award categories
