CUSTECH Osara Students Win N4m at Kogi Innovation Hackathon

Students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, have won a combined N4 million at the inaugural Kogi Innovation Hackathon 2026 for innovative technology solutions addressing real-world challenges.

The competition, held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Lokoja, was organised by KINHUB and endorsed by the Kogi State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. It brought together students, innovators, entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts from across the state.

CUSTECH students emerged among the leading performers, with projects demonstrating practical applications of emerging technologies in agriculture, healthcare, education, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, drones and digital communication.

Sadiq Mujidat Onize of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering and Alason Emmanuel Ayomide of the Department of Computer Engineering won N2 million for their Smart Farm and Storage Anti-Theft System, an innovation designed to help farmers safeguard harvested crops and stored agricultural produce against theft.

Similarly, Raji Ezekiel Onimise of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering won N1.5 million for a drone-based medical equipment delivery solution aimed at improving the transportation of essential medical supplies.

Another CUSTECH team, led by Musa Mariam Ize of the Department of Software Engineering, showcased Study Rout, an application designed to support students in their academic activities.

Other innovations presented by CUSTECH students included CUSTECH AirWave, a campus micro-broadcasting and information system developed by Yahaya John Sufyan of Information Technology, and Smart Lecture, an IoT-enabled lecture timetable display and automated lecturer notification system developed by Abubakar Biliqies Oyiza and her team.

Speaking at the event, the CUSTECH representative and mentor, Mr. Abdulrahman Raji, an AI and Robotics Engineer, commended the students for their outstanding performance, noting that they had undergone only about two weeks of intensive preparation for the competition.

He also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, for approving the students’ participation, as well as the Director of Academic Planning, Pharm. Muhammed A. Asuku, for supporting and encouraging the initiative.