The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAEng) has awarded ₦20 million in cash prizes to outstanding local innovators at the second edition of its Engineering Innovation Competition, underscoring a renewed push to promote homegrown technological solutions and engineering-led development in Nigeria.

Held in Lagos, the competition drew around 60 entries from across the country. Seven finalists were recognised for developing impactful, scalable innovations aimed at solving real-world challenges.

The top prize of ₦10 million was awarded to Dr. Anye Vitalis, Head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja. His winning project — the production of 3D printing filament from recycled PET bottles — was hailed by judges as a breakthrough in sustainable manufacturing and plastic waste reduction.

A team from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, secured the second prize of ₦5 million for their automated hot air dryer powered by a top-lit updraft biomass gasifier, designed to improve agricultural post-harvest processing using clean energy.

The third prize, worth ₦2.5 million each, was jointly awarded to two entries: a smart solar inverter management system developed by a group of engineers, and a creative technology solution submitted by Professor Babson Ajibade, former Head of Visual Arts and Technology at the University of Cross River State.

Four other finalists received ₦500,000 each in recognition of their innovations.

In addition to the prize money, the Academy awarded its Chairman’s Travel Fellowship Grant of $4,000 to Dr. Terseer Ako of the University of Jos to support international academic exchange.

Speaking during the 2025 Technology Dinner and Award Night, NAEng President Professor Rahamon Bello said the competition was conceived to bridge the gap between innovation and investment for Nigerian engineers.

“There are so many bright minds in this country whose only limitation is access to support,” Bello said. “We’re not just awarding cash prizes—we’re building an innovation ecosystem that helps engineers move from idea to impact.”

He added that a special committee had been established by the Academy to provide mentorship, business development support, and access to investors for the winners.

“Our goal is to refine these ideas, support their commercialisation, and build local capacity for solving national problems with local solutions,” he said.

The competition aligns with the federal government’s “Nigeria First” policy, which advocates for the prioritisation of locally developed goods and services. Professor Bello stressed that innovation must become a national development strategy if the country is to compete globally.

“We are late to the innovation race,” he said, “but it is never too late to start.”

Chairman of the NAEng Innovation Competition Committee, Dr. Keluo Chukwuogo, said the shortlisted projects highlighted the potential of Nigerian engineers to develop practical technologies suited to the country’s economic realities.

“Every one of the top entries demonstrated ingenuity and relevance to challenges we face daily,” Chukwuogo said. “The missing piece remains consistent funding and post-competition support.”

He called on the federal government and private sector stakeholders to invest in local innovation and reduce dependence on imported solutions.

“When Nigerians innovate, the least we can do is support them,” he said. “We must start believing in our own capacity.”

The event was attended by senior academics, engineering professionals, corporate sponsors, and policymakers. It also featured exhibitions of the winning innovations and conversations on building a more resilient, tech-driven economy through engineering.

Organisers announced that the next edition of the competition will target increased participation from young engineers and tertiary institutions, with additional focus on follow-up funding and technical acceleration for past winners.