SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC, ENACTUS REWARD WINNERS OF ENERGY INNOVATION COMPETITION

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SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC, ENACTUS REWARD WINNERS OF ENERGY INNOVATION COMPETITION

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, in partnership with Enactus, an international Non-Profit Organisation, have rewarded the winners of the 2025 edition of the Enactus Nigeria National Competition. Newspaper subscription bundles

The Energy Innovation Challenge, which was competed among tertiary institutions students brought together over 33 universities across Federal, State, and Private-owned institutions.

The annual competition features two main initiatives: the Battery Innovation Challenge and the Core Program, designed to empower university students to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that address pressing community needs.

This initiative forms part of Schneider Electric’s ongoing commitment to training one million students by 2025, a goal it continues to advance through impactful partnerships in education and entrepreneurship.

In the Battery Innovation Challenge, three institutions emerged as top winners. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM) secured first place with ENERGIV, a technology that converts plastic waste into carbon nanotubes to enhance lithium-ion batteries, improving conductivity and lifespan.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) claimed second place with Cell Matrix, a smart battery management system (BMS) using machine learning and embedded sensors to monitor battery health, detect anomalies, and optimise charging cycles.

Kaduna Polytechnic earned third place with SmartVolt, an adaptive charging algorithm using real-time sensor data to intelligently manage charging speeds, thereby extending battery lifespan and reducing energy waste.

Schneider Electric sponsored the Battery Innovation Award, with winners receiving €2,000 for first place, €1,500 for second place, and €1,000 for third place.

For the second challenge, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM) emerged National Champion of the Enactus Core Program with its sustainable initiative, BettaCoal Energies.

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The initiative is a startup transforming local cooking and food packaging with three key solutions: smokeless briquettes, an improved air-circulating stove for faster cooking, and biodegradable food containers for restaurants.

Commenting on the initiative, Country President, Schneider Electric Nigeria, Ajibola Akindele, highlighted the firm’s role in training youths to be future ready.

He said: “One of our core values is impact. Young people across communities are solving real problems, and our role is to support and empower them to do so on a bigger scale.”

Also speaking, Access to Education Coordinator, Schneider Electric West Africa, Funmilayo Olakitan, lauded the winners of the National Competition, noting that, “It was truly rewarding to see how forward-thinking these youths are, developing entrepreneurial and business skills that will equip them for the future.” Newspaper subscription bundles

She reaffirmed the commitment of the partnership between Schneider Electric and Enactus to train 1 million youths by 2025, directly supporting SDGs 7, 11, and 12.

Country Director, Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi, noted that the energy, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by the students reflect the power of youth-led innovation in addressing real-world challenges.

“Through our partnership with Schneider Electric, we are not only building capacity but also inspiring a generation to take bold steps toward a more sustainable and equitable future. This competition is a clear example of how collaboration between the private sector and academia can drive lasting impact,” he stressed. Newspaper subscription bundles

Present at the national finals were key stakeholders including Ajibola Akindele, MFR, Country President, Schneider Electric; Michael Ajayi, Country Director, Enactus Nigeria; Funmilayo Olakitan, Access to Education Project Coordinator, Schneider Electric; Omobolanle Omotayo, Marketing Manager, Anglophone West Africa, Schneider Electric; Adebayo Agbaje, Business Development Manager, A2E, Schneider Electric among other representatives.