Written By Khadijah Aliyu; Edited By Godwin Duru
A 200-level Electrical Engineering student of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Nura Idris, has emerged winner of the BUK Students Innovation Challenge 2026, securing a cash prize of N300,000 for his innovative electricity solution project, Vertical Energy.
The competition, organised by the University’s Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnership (DRIP), formed part of activities marking BUK’s maiden National Conference and Exhibition on Research and Development.
Idris outperformed 11 other contestants to claim the top prize with his innovation designed to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity supply challenges and promote sustainable energy solutions.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, the young innovator said the project was inspired by the daily hardships experienced by millions of Nigerians due to inadequate power supply.
According to him, unreliable electricity continues to affect students, households, and businesses, motivating him to develop a solution capable of improving access to energy and supporting economic growth.
The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to promoting research that translates into practical and commercially viable products rather than remaining solely within academic circles.
“This conference is meant to bring government, industry partners, and academia together to translate research into meaningful commercial products,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. Obiageli Edith Amadiobi, encouraged researchers and innovators to protect their intellectual property through patent registration.
“Research must move from the shelf to the market. If you research into something original, you must own it by patenting,” she stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the conference, Professor Mohamed Maina, disclosed that cash prizes were awarded to the top six innovators, while other participants also received incentives in recognition of their efforts.
He described the innovation challenge as a significant milestone in Bayero University’s drive to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs, while fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving among students.
The competition showcased a range of student-led innovations aimed at addressing real-world challenges and highlighted the growing role of research and technology in driving national development.
