Enactus Nigeria has initiated a collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Renaissance Africa Energy Company, and First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company (First E&P). This partnership aims to convert indigenous engineering concepts into commercial products through the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO). By aligning academic training with industry needs, the program seeks to foster practical business solutions for national growth.
During the inaugural competition held in Lagos, Enactus Nigeria Country Director Michael Ajayi reported 375 applications from 984 students across 80 universities, with 12 teams advancing to the final round. Modibbo Adama University took the top prize of N50 million and a new faculty building for their ‘Ubuntu Sapphire’ project, a community safety notification system. The University of Ibadan placed second, earning N30 million and N75 million in equipment for their ‘Aurora Birth’ neonatal health solution. The University of Jos claimed third, receiving N20 million and N50 million in equipment for ‘FarmAnchor,’ a solar-powered agricultural monitoring tool.
Dr. Emmanuel Ajani, representing NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Suleiman Halilu, emphasized that global economic leaders are defined by their ability to innovate and commercialize research rather than mere resource wealth. Enactus remains committed to supporting youth-led projects that address local challenges through sustainable and entrepreneurial methods.