FUTA Secures First and Third Positions in Inaugural Dangote Cement National Engineering Competition

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has emerged as the top-performing institution at the inaugural Dangote Cement-sponsored National Undergraduate Industry-Based Engineering Research Competition, securing both first and third positions.

The grand finale, organised by the University of Lagos Engineering Society Academic & Research Board (ULESARB) under the aegis of Dangote Cement Plc, was held at the University of Lagos on July 28, 2026.

FUTA’s Team Zenith, comprising Oluwaferanmi Oladepo of Information and Communication Engineering, Nunsi Shiaki of Computer Engineering, and Adejire Adegite of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, emerged as the overall winner.

Team Data Knights, represented by 400-level Computer Engineering students Faith Alabetutu and Samuel Abayomi, secured third position, while a team from the University of Lagos finished second. Teams from the University of Ibadan also participated in the grand finale.

Team Zenith, represented at the final by Oladepo, impressed the judges with a research-backed early-warning system capable of simultaneously analysing machine vibrations and electrical signals to detect equipment faults at an early stage, before they develop into costly breakdowns.

Team Data Knights secured third place with a data-driven optimisation model examining how Dangote’s plants can increase their use of alternative fuels as an energy source. The project was supported by more than 230 screened research sources and audited data from Dangote’s plants.

The competition attracted more than 360 applications from across the country at the initial stage. Only six teams progressed to the live pitching session before the judges at the University of Lagos, with two of the teams that eventually secured the first and third positions coming from FUTA.

Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, described the feat as heartwarming and another demonstration of the excellence of FUTA students.

“Once again, our students have demonstrated that we are one of the best universities of technology and we can hold our own anywhere nationally or globally. I salute the excellence of Oluwaferanmi Oladepo, Nunsi Shiaki and Adejire Adegite of Team Zenith who won the First Position and Faith Alabetutu and Samuel Abayomi of Team Data Knights who won the Third Position. Winning two major positions in a national competition is a major achievement,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.

The achievement further highlights FUTA’s growing emphasis on industry-driven research, technological innovation and the development of students capable of applying engineering knowledge to real-world challenges.