Oluchi Chibuzor
The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU) have emerged champions of the 2026 Enactus Nigeria National Competition and will represent Nigeria at the Enactus World Cup in Brazil later this year.
FUTO recorded a double victory, winning the Enactus Early Stage Final with its biofuel project and the Julius Berger Innovation Challenge with ALTAR, a robot designed to detect structural and construction failures.
ABU clinched the Enactus Advanced Stage Competition Final with NeemPest, an IAR-certified multi-modal biopesticide that eliminates Tuta absoluta within 48 hours, and TomPa, a tomato processing brand designed to convert surplus tomato harvests into long-lasting powder and puree.
Speaking at the event held in Lagos recently, Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi, said the projects showcased at the final represented far more than an academic exercise
According to him, “They reflect the ingenuity, resilience and determination of a generation committed to building a better Nigeria. Enactus would continue to make a significant difference by nurturing entrepreneurs, innovators, ethical leaders and changemakers who understand that education finds its purpose when it is applied to solving real societal problems.”
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate General, Nigeria, Casey Bonfield, praised Enactus Nigeria for focusing on transferring classroom ideas and knowledge into practical solutions to societal problems.
He said exposing students to real-life challenges and enabling them to develop practical solutions would prepare them for the global market and help them build a great future, emphasising that “building a future starts with building people.”
In her remarks, Shakira Mustapha, Risk and Sustainability Officer, Julius Berger Plc, explained that her company believes in the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in shaping the future of Nigerians.