Five months, five dates

The form opens to the public. Anyone may nominate, including the nominee themselves, in any of the eighteen categories.

23:59 West Africa Time. Nothing received after that is carried into screening, so entries needing follow-up are best sent early.

Screening and verification finish and the shortlist is published by category. Shortlisted nominees are told privately first.

Each finalist sits a structured interview with two panel members and may submit further evidence before scores are locked.

All eighteen winners are read out at the ISF Forum Gala, International Conference Centre, Ibadan. Results are sealed until the envelope is opened.