By Jude Michael
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), under the leadership of Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, on Friday, 6th December, received the institution’s victorious team who won the first prize of the innovative tertiary institution category in Anambra state at the Solution Innovation District (SID) Conference, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) Anambra, from Tuesday, November 25 to Friday, November 29, 2024.
Receiving the team, the Acting Vice-Chancellor stated that the Varsity would continue to support every noble move geared towards placing the citadel of learning on the world map, saying that researchers and student researchers would continue receive backing and support.
The Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu took the second position, while Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) made the third position.
Anambra Innovation Week was designed to promote innovation, technological advancements, and digital transformation, particularly in addressing specific socio-economic challenges in the heart of Nigeria.
The week-long event brought together thought leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and policy makers to explore the horizon of innovation in Anambra State and beyond.
The University exhibited novel research projects which gained the NAU the first position with a cash prize of N5, 000, 000. The team coordinated by Prof. Azubike Ekpunobi, Director, Research and Innovation Directorate, represented the University.
The team also produced the best tertiary institution researcher, Prof. Nkiru Meludu, with the first position and a cash prize of N2, 000, 000. A group of electrical engineering researchers represented by Engr. Chukwuka Ogbonnaya came second with N1, 500, 000, while the third position went to a group of researchers of Electronics Engineering, 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 positions of students in the tertiary institution category with a cash prize of N2, 000, 000 and N1, 000, 000, respectively, while students from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) clinched the third position.
Those in attendance included, Professor Nkiru Meludu – Leader of the Team; Professor Azubuike Ekpunobi – Director of Research and Innovation, UNIZIK; Professor Ifeoma Dunu, Director of UNIZIK FM and Dr. Ifeoma Obi, Manager UNIZIK 94. 1 FM, Awka.
