FUTO, ABU emerge winners at Enactus Nigeria National finals

The 2026 Enactus Nigeria National Competition concluded with notable victories for the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU). These institutions secured top honors in different competition segments held recently in Lagos, earning the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the forthcoming Enactus World Cup in Brazil.

Competing against 35 other tertiary institutions, both universities showcased innovative solutions addressing diverse challenges through technological and agricultural advancements. FUTO distinguished itself by winning two prominent categories. It captured the Enactus Early Stage Final with a pioneering biofuel initiative, highlighting a commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

In addition, FUTO claimed victory in the Julius Berger Innovation Challenge with the development of ALTAR, a robotic system engineered for early detection of structural and construction defects. This underscores a growing trend of leveraging robotics to enhance safety and efficiency in Nigeria’s construction industry.

Meanwhile, ABU emerged victorious in the Enactus Advanced Stage Competition Final through projects aimed at agricultural pest control and food processing. Their NeemPest innovation, an IAR-certified biopesticide, effectively eradicates the Tuta absoluta pest within 48 hours, offering a timely solution to a widespread threat to crop yields.

ABU also introduced TomPa, a tomato processing brand designed to convert surplus tomato harvests into powder and puree. This initiative not only addresses food preservation challenges but also adds value to agricultural produce, promoting economic benefits for farmers and local communities.

The competition’s theme, “Re-Imagining Transformation,” reflected a focus on projects assessed for their innovation, market scalability, profitability, sustainability, and societal relevance. A panel of business and industry leaders evaluated the entries, underscoring the growing synergy between academic ingenuity and practical enterprise.

Michael Ajayi, Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, emphasized that the competition represents more than an academic exercise. It is the culmination of over a year’s dedication by students from 33 institutions who identified real community issues and crafted business-driven solutions. Ajayi highlighted the organization’s mission to cultivate ethical leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and impactful innovation among Nigerian youth.

The convergence of education and real-world problem-solving is seen as critical in preparing students to become resourceful leaders capable of influencing Nigeria’s future development. Industry stakeholders, including Julius Berger Plc and the US Consulate General in Nigeria, lauded the platform for fostering practical skills and encouraging sustainable practices.

Julius Berger’s partnership with Enactus underscores the construction sector’s recognition of youth-led innovation as vital for achieving environmental sustainability and addressing industry challenges. The US Consulate highlighted the importance of experiential learning in equipping students with competencies needed for global competitiveness.

As FUTO and ABU prepare to present their projects on the international stage, their achievements reflect a broader narrative of Nigerian youths’ potential to contribute innovative solutions with both local and global impact. The forthcoming Enactus World Cup in Brazil will further test the scalability and effectiveness of their initiatives against global contenders.

While detailed outcomes of their future competition remain to be seen, the 2026 Enactus Nigeria National Competition has reinforced the critical role of university-driven entrepreneurship and innovation in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges through sustainable and technologically advanced approaches.