KWASU Student Emmanuel Ajayi Secures ₦50 Million Federal Grant for Solar Innovation

Emmanuel Aanu Ajayi, a 500-level Electrical and Computer Engineering student at Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has emerged as a top winner in the Federal Ministry of Education’s Student Venture Capital Grant initiative, securing a prestigious ₦50 million grant. 

The award was presented on March 29, 2026, at the UNDP Innovation Hub in Lagos during the official launch of the national initiative aimed at empowering student entrepreneurs.

Ajayi, who serves as a Research Assistant at KWASU’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems, won the judges over with his pitch for a Solar Power Station.

The Innovation: A station built using upcycled electronic waste to provide affordable and reliable electricity.

Target Impact: The project aims to deliver sustainable energy solutions to Nigerian homes and small businesses while simultaneously addressing the environmental challenge of e-waste.

The ceremony was part of a larger federal effort that saw 45 students across Nigeria awarded ₦50 million each to scale their startups. The event featured high-level representation from the Nigerian government and international partners, including:

Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN: Minister of Education (represented by Dr. Tunji Alausa and Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad).

Dr. Bosun Tijani: Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

Ms. Elsie Attafuah: UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria.

The victory reinforces KWASU’s growing reputation as a hub for engineering and technological research. University officials noted that Ajayi’s success reflects the institution’s commitment to practical, problem-solving education that prepares students for the global digital economy.