KWASU Final-Year Student Secures N50m Federal Grant for Solar Innovation

A final-year student of Kwara State University has secured a N50 million grant under the Federal Ministry of Education’s Student Venture Capital initiative.

Emmanuel Aanu Ajayi, a 500-level Electrical and Computer Engineering student, emerged as one of the winners of the competitive programme, which was officially unveiled on March 29 at the UNDP Innovation Hub.

Ajayi earned the grant for developing a solar power station constructed from upcycled electronic waste, designed to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to households and small businesses. The innovation aligns with ongoing efforts to address energy access challenges through sustainable and cost-effective solutions.

Beyond his academic work, Ajayi serves as a research assistant at the university’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems, where he contributes to technology-driven research initiatives.

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, commended the student’s achievement, noting that it reflects a consistent track record of excellence.

He observed that Ajayi had previously distinguished himself and described the latest milestone as a continuation of his innovative contributions. The Vice-Chancellor also urged other students to pursue excellence and strive for accomplishments that would enhance both their personal growth and the institution’s reputation.