Bayero University, Kano (BUK), on Monday challenged Nigerian students to develop innovative solutions to the country’s development challenges as it hosted the final pitch of its Students’ Innovation Competition 2026 ahead of a national conference on research and innovation.
The competition, organised by the university’s Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnership (DRIP), brought together 11 finalists selected from numerous submissions to showcase ideas and prototypes aimed at solving real-life problems.
SolaceBase reports that the event forms part of activities leading up to BUK’s First National Conference and Exhibition on Research and Development, scheduled for June 23 and 24, 2026.
In her remarks delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Amina Mustapha said innovation and practical problem-solving were critical to achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.
She described the competition as a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to foster creativity, entrepreneurship and research-driven solutions among students.
“The theme of this year’s competition, ‘Driving Innovation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,’ is both timely and critical,” she said.
According to her, Nigeria faces complex challenges in sectors such as agriculture, energy, healthcare and education, requiring practical and innovative solutions that go beyond theoretical knowledge.
She said Bayero University remains committed to creating an enabling environment where ideas can flourish, be refined and eventually transformed into viable enterprises capable of contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
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Professor Amina also highlighted the institution’s growing international profile, noting that BUK is currently ranked as the third-best university in Nigeria in the 2026 Times Higher Education Rankings and the country’s leading university in terms of international outlook.
She added that the university has continued to strengthen regional and international partnerships while attracting students from more than 15 African countries.
She further expressed appreciation to partners and sponsors supporting the initiative, including the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), the Centre for Entrepreneurship Research and Training, the Centre for Career Service, Canvay Integrated Solutions Ltd., Future Map Foundation, ACReSAL and Primetech Energy Ltd.
According to her, investing in young innovators amounts to investing in Nigeria’s future.
Addressing the finalists, she urged them to remain committed to innovation regardless of the outcome of the competition.
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“Remember that innovation is a continuous journey of learning, adapting and persevering. Stay innovative, stay focused and continue to make Bayero University proud,” she said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the First National Conference and Exhibition on Research and Development, Professor Muhammad Maina, said the competition was introduced as a pre-conference activity aimed at encouraging students to develop innovative ideas capable of addressing societal challenges.
He explained that participants were required to present prototypes and solutions before a panel of experienced judges who would assess the entries and select the best innovators.
“Today marks the first activity of the conference. We initiated the student innovation competition to bring together students with various innovative ideas and prototypes to showcase their work,” Maina said.
According to him, several entries were received after the call for submissions, but only 11 participants advanced to the final stage after undergoing multiple rounds of screening.
“These 11 participants have reached the final stage where a highly experienced panel of judges will assess their presentations and determine the best innovators,” he said.
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Maina noted that the initiative was designed to encourage students to think creatively and develop practical solutions to problems affecting society.
The organisers announced cash prizes for outstanding participants, with the overall winner expected to receive N250,000, while the first runner-up will receive N150,000. Other finalists will also receive various prizes and incentives.
He said the organisers considered it important to support participants, many of whom travelled from different parts of the country to take part in the competition.
