By Segun Adeyanju
The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAEng), has awarded a total of N20 million to three top engineering innovators during its 2025 Innovation Competition held in Lagos.
Emerging as the overall winner was Dr. Anye Vitalis, Head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja.
His project, focused on converting PET bottles into 3D printing filament, earned him a N10 million prize.
A team from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, clinched second place and received N5 million for their development of an automated hot air dryer powered by a TLUD biomass gasifier.
In a tie for third place, two entries each received N2.5 million. One was a smart solar inverter management system designed by a group of engineers; the other by Prof. Babson Ajibade of the University of Cross River State, Calabar.
Four other finalists got consolation prizes of N500,000 each, while Dr. Terseer Ako from the University of Jos received a $4,000 Travel Fellowship Grant.
Speaking at the Technology Dinner and Awards Night, NAEng President, Prof. Rahamon Bello, said the initiative aims to support Nigerian-led innovations that address local challenges and encourage commercialisation of homegrown technology.
Chairman of the Innovation Committee, Dr. Keluo Chukwuogo, called on the government and private sector to support indigenous engineering solutions and create enabling environments for innovators.
The event highlighted NAEng’s continued drive to promote engineering excellence and sustainable development through innovation.
