UNIZIK Wins Anambra Government’s Science Tech Competition, Takes Home N5m Cash Prixe

By Praise Chinecherem

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State has won the first prize of the innovative tertiary institution category at the Solution Innovation District (SID) competition organised by the State government.

The institution defeated University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) and others at the competition recently held at International Convention Center (ICC), Awka.

The university exhibited novel research projects which gained her first position with cash prize of N5,000,000.

The team also produced the best tertiary institution researcher, Prof. Nkiru Meludu with first position and a cash prize of N2,000,000 naira only, and a group of electrical engineering researchers ably represented by Engr. Chukwuka Ogbonnaya in second position of best tertiary institution researchers with N1,500,000 naira only.

The third position went to a group researchers of electronics engineering ably represented by Engr. Charles with a cash prize of N1,000,000.

Students, Master Chibueze Ogbuagu and Tochukwu Egwu-Chika, among the team also won the first and second position of students in tertiary institution category with cash prize of N2,000,000 and N1,000,000 respectively and the student from University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) made the third position.

Congratulating the winning team, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu described the feat as dominance and testament that the university was blessed with skills, innovations and creativity.

He said, “UNIZIK has been in the news, especially in recent times for various reasons, including leadership changes.

“But today, we’re presenting to the world that UNIZIK is also a research institution where academics are still showcasing what they are here for.

“We contested with several other institutions at the competition organised by Anambra State government, and took the first and second positions in the research category.

“Apart from our staff, our students are also into research. The students took the first, second and third positions.

“This is dominance which is a testament that the university is loaded with skills, innovation and creativity.”

Appreciating the state government and the institution’s researchers for the various innovations, Ikechebelu restated the university’s readiness to partner captains of industries to bring innovative designs capable of bringing solutions to societal challenges.

He also applauded the research team for their outstanding performance, promising continued support for them to keep advancing in their research.

“I seize this opportunity to reiterate that UNIZIK remains a university to reckon with and making waves in innovations. Our agricultural department is coming up with a farmers’ market which will be fully operational soon.

“We’re ready to partner with industries in the state to ensure these products which will remain research designs will also be commercially viable.

Earlier, leader of the team, Prof Nkiru Meludu listed the products that gave them victory to include Tripple power supply IOT based smart home automation system as well as herbal tea, orange flowered potatoes used as flour and semovita.

Present at the meeting were Director, Research and Innovation Directorate, Prof. Azubike Ekpunobi, Director, UNIZIK FM, Prof Ifeoma Dunu, Engr Chukwuka Ogbonnaya, Manager UNIZIK FM, Dr Ify Obi, Acting Public Relations Officer, Njelita Louis, among others.