BUK Student Wins ₦300,000 Innovation Challenge Prize for Energy Solution

A 200-level Electrical Engineering student at Bayero University Kano, Nura Idris, has emerged overall winner of the BUK Students Innovation Challenge 2026, receiving a cash prize of ₦300,000 for his energy-focused project, Vertical Energy.

The competition was organised by the university’s Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnership as part of the pre-conference activities for the maiden National Conference and Exhibition on Research and Development.

Twelve student innovators presented ideas aimed at solving practical challenges across different sectors. Idris emerged top after impressing the judges with an innovation designed to address Nigeria’s ongoing electricity challenges.

Speaking after receiving his award, Idris said his inspiration came from the effect of unreliable power supply on students, households, and businesses.

“Students struggle to study without power, communities sleep in darkness, and businesses are affected. This inspired me to develop a solution,” he said.

He added that the project supports important Sustainable Development Goals, including affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, and climate action.

At the opening of the conference, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, said the institution is focused on promoting research that can create practical products and economic value.

He explained that Nigeria needs useful solutions to major challenges in agriculture, energy, healthcare, and education.

“This conference brings together government, industry partners, and academics to turn research into meaningful commercial products,” Professor Musa said.

He also noted that Bayero University Kano is ranked among Nigeria’s leading universities in the Times Higher Education Ranking 2026 and has active partnerships across 15 African countries.

The Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, Dr Obiageli Edith Amadiobi, encouraged researchers and innovators to protect original ideas through patents.

According to her, research should not remain in libraries or academic journals without reaching the public or industry.

“Research must move from the shelf to the market. When you create something original, you must protect it through patenting so that its value can benefit you and future generations,” she said.

Professor Mohamed Maina, Chairman of the conference Local Organising Committee, disclosed that prizes were presented to the top six innovators. The first-place winner received ₦300,000, while the second-place winner received ₦200,000, with additional rewards for other outstanding participants.

He added that students who did not make the top six also received incentives in recognition of their efforts.

“This competition is an important step in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Students must see innovation as a tool for solving real-life problems,” Professor Maina said.

The BUK Students Innovation Challenge 2026 reflects the university’s growing commitment to supporting student-led ideas, encouraging research commercialisation, and creating solutions that can contribute to national development.