KWASU Student Wins ₦50 Million Federal Grant for Solar Power Innovation

Emmanuel Aanu Ajayi, a 500-level Electrical and Computer Engineering student at Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has won the Federal Ministry of Education’s Student Venture Capital Grant, receiving a ₦50 million award for his innovative solar power project.

The announcement was made at the UNDP Innovation Hub in Lagos on March 29 during the official launch of the Student Venture Capital Grant initiative. The event brought together student innovators, university founders, entrepreneurs, government officials, and development partners from across Nigeria. Key attendees included the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and the UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah.

Ajayi, who also serves as a research assistant at KWASU’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems, pitched a solar power station built using upcycled electronic waste. His project aims to provide affordable and reliable electricity to homes and businesses, addressing energy access challenges in the country.

The win highlights the growing support for student-led innovations in Nigeria and underscores the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable solutions among young innovators.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale