Elizade University Wins Smart Irrigation Award After Engineering Innovation Earns Second Place at CODET Competition

Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, has recorded another milestone in engineering research and innovation after emerging as the second-best institution in the single-presenter category at the 2026 South-West Committee of Deans of Engineering and Technology (CODET) Competition, Zone 1.

The competition brought together engineering faculties from 13 universities across Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states to present innovative research projects aimed at solving real-world challenges. Only four institutions secured places in the highly competitive single-presenter category, highlighting the quality of the entries.

Elizade University's recognition came through a project titled "Development of a Payment System for Water Distribution in Cluster Farming," developed by the university's graduate, Nwaeze Newman Odogwu, under the supervision of Dr. Olugbenga Ogidan of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

The project introduces an intelligent payment and water management system designed to improve the equitable distribution of water among farmers operating within shared irrigation schemes. Developed for low-resource farming communities, the technology enables farmers to pay only for the exact quantity of water used on their farms, reducing disputes while promoting transparency, accountability and sustainable water management.

The system combines a web-based platform with water-metering sensors that accurately measure water supplied to each farm. Every transaction is automatically recorded with dates and timestamps, creating a verifiable audit trail that enhances accountability in water usage.

Beyond payment automation, the innovation integrates crop water requirement data with digital payment platforms to create a smart irrigation ecosystem capable of optimizing water allocation. Judges at the competition described the project as a practical, scalable solution with significant potential for adoption across Africa, where water scarcity and inefficient irrigation continue to threaten food production and rural livelihoods.

The technology has already been successfully piloted at Elizade University, demonstrating its operational viability and readiness for wider implementation. Stakeholders believe its adoption could reduce conflicts over shared water resources, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen rural economies and contribute to food security across the continent.

Receiving the award-winning team, Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Oguntunde congratulated the researcher and described the project as a demonstration of the university's commitment to innovation and practical problem-solving.

He encouraged the young innovator to remain committed to research excellence while commending the Faculty of Engineering and the academic mentors whose guidance contributed to the success of the project.

According to him, the achievement reflects the university's guiding philosophy of "Going Higher" and reinforces its vision of producing globally competitive graduates capable of addressing pressing societal challenges through innovation.

Professor Oguntunde noted that academic excellence is driven by creativity, determination, focus and perseverance rather than age. He said young researchers possess the energy and fresh ideas needed to challenge conventional thinking and develop solutions to complex problems, adding that Elizade University remains committed to nurturing those qualities.

He further stated that the institution continues to invest in science, technology, engineering and innovation as strategic pillars for national development and global competitiveness.

Registrar Omololu Adegbenro described the award as further evidence of Elizade University's rapid emergence as a leading centre for engineering research and innovation-driven education.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Adebunmi Okediji, said the recognition reflects not only the ingenuity of a young researcher but also the university's broader commitment to developing practical technologies capable of addressing pressing societal needs.

Project supervisor Dr. Olugbenga Ogidan described the achievement as another milestone in the institution's research journey, saying it reflects the university's vision of transforming ideas into impactful solutions while empowering young innovators to shape the future.

The 2026 South-West CODET Competition concluded in June at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), with Elizade University finishing second behind FUTA, while Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) secured third place.

The latest achievement further strengthens Elizade University's reputation as one of Nigeria's emerging centres for scientific discovery, engineering research and innovation, demonstrating its growing capacity to produce technologies with the potential to address critical developmental challenges across Africa.