Bells University Student Bags ₦1m for Herbal Haircare Innovation
A student of Bells University of Technology has emerged winner of the institution’s maiden Pitchathon competition after presenting an innovative business idea that impressed judges with its creativity and practical value. The three-day event brought together dozens of student entrepreneurs competing for funding, mentorship, and recognition.
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Innovation and entrepreneurship took center stage at Bells University of Technology as a 300-level Industrial Chemistry student, Confidence Amamba, emerged winner of the institution’s maiden 2026 Pitchathon competition, securing a ₦1 million grand prize for her science-based herbal haircare brand, CONFIA.
The three-day innovation challenge was created to identify and support student entrepreneurs with commercially viable ideas. Sponsored by BOT Company, the competition attracted participants from different faculties, particularly students interested in technology, innovation, and business development.
Out of 72 registered teams, contestants went through several stages of screening and evaluation before the field was narrowed to 25 teams and eventually four finalists. At the end of the highly competitive event, CONFIA stood out for its blend of scientific research, creativity, and practical application in solving haircare problems.
According to Amamba, CONFIA is a herb-powered wellness and haircare brand developed through extensive research into natural ingredients and chemical formulations. She explained that the inspiration behind the business came from observing gaps in the haircare industry and discovering how science could provide sustainable solutions.
“I realised there was a gap in hair care and science could solve it,” she said while reflecting on the journey that led to the creation of the brand.
She revealed that the product formulations were developed using over 100 carefully researched herbs aimed at improving hair health and wellness. What began as personal experimentation eventually evolved into a business idea while she was preparing for her 200-level examinations.
Amamba noted that support from her family encouraged her to transform the concept into a full-fledged brand. Today, CONFIA products are already available in the market, with plans underway to expand production and distribution.
Speaking on her long-term ambition, the young entrepreneur said she hopes to make CONFIA one of Nigeria’s leading haircare brands within the next decade.
The ₦1 million prize money, she added, will be invested in product expansion, scaling operations, and increasing the brand’s visibility in the market.
Organisers of the Pitchathon explained that the initiative was designed to help students convert innovative ideas into sustainable ventures capable of contributing to economic development. The university also announced that participants would continue receiving mentorship through an online incubation platform established after the competition.
The Director of Distance Learning at Bells University stated that the institution remains committed to grooming students into innovators and problem-solvers who can compete globally.
He also encouraged participants who did not win the competition, stressing that presenting an idea publicly already demonstrated courage and entrepreneurial potential.
Explaining why the full ₦1 million was awarded to one winner instead of being shared among finalists, the organisers noted that concentrated funding would provide stronger support capable of helping a business grow meaningfully.
The university further disclosed plans to make the Pitchathon an annual programme, with possibilities of expanding participation in future editions.
Vice Chancellor Jeremiah Ojediran commended students for their creativity and described the large turnout of participating teams as proof of the institution’s growing culture of innovation.
Addressing contestants, he encouraged students to continue building ideas that can positively impact society, reminding them that their contributions and legacy would ultimately define them.
Also speaking at the event, Bayode Thomas praised the students for their professionalism, originality, and leadership potential. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, noting that the level of innovation displayed by the students demonstrated that the country’s young generation still holds immense promise.
According to him, the students handled much of the organisation independently, showcasing their readiness to lead and contribute meaningfully to national development.
