A 400-level Nursing student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Covenant Ibukun Awoyemi, has brought international recognition to the University following her outstanding participation at the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 Grand Finale held in London, United Kingdom, in October 2026.
Awoyemi, who represented Nigeria at the prestigious international innovation event, was reportedly honoured with the Best Research Innovation of the Year Award in recognition of her innovative project, a biodigester appliance designed to convert livestock waste into biogas, a renewable energy source.
The Grand Finale, held at ExCeL London on 9 October 2026, brought together innovators, technology enthusiasts, researchers, entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the global innovation ecosystem to showcase promising solutions to contemporary societal and environmental challenges.
From Ogun State to the Global Stage
Awoyemi’s journey to international recognition began with her participation in the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 national selection programme, where she represented Ogun State.
The competition attracted over 2,900 applications from innovators across Nigeria, providing a platform for emerging talents to demonstrate creative solutions capable of addressing pressing developmental challenges.
Her project, officially listed as Green and Renewable Energy Biodigester, earned her a place among selected innovators representing Ogun State. She subsequently participated in the competition’s international programme in London, where she received recognition for her research innovation.
Her achievement underscores the remarkable potential of Nigerian students to develop practical solutions that contribute to sustainable development, technological advancement and environmental preservation.
Turning Livestock Waste into Renewable Energy
At the centre of Awoyemi’s recognition is her innovative biodigester appliance, designed to transform livestock waste into usable biogas through a biological process known as anaerobic digestion.
The technology offers a potentially valuable approach to managing agricultural waste while producing renewable energy that can support household and agricultural applications.
Beyond its energy-generating potential, biodigester technology can contribute to improved waste management, reduced environmental pollution and more sustainable agricultural practices.
Awoyemi’s innovation aligns particularly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
Her work also demonstrates how interdisciplinary thinking can extend beyond conventional academic boundaries, with a Nursing student exploring technology-driven solutions to environmental and energy challenges.
A Milestone for Olabisi Onabanjo University
Awoyemi’s international recognition represents a significant achievement for Olabisi Onabanjo University and reinforces the importance of nurturing students’ creativity, research interests and entrepreneurial potential across academic disciplines.
Her participation in the NextGen Innovation Challenge demonstrates that innovative ideas capable of addressing global challenges can emerge from students pursuing diverse fields of study.
It also offers an inspiring example to other students of the University, highlighting the opportunities available through research, creativity, determination and participation in national and international innovation programmes.
The NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 was organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), in collaboration with UKALD and other partners, as part of efforts to identify, support and promote promising Nigerian innovators.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
From representing Ogun State at the national stage to receiving recognition in London, Awoyemi’s journey illustrates the importance of creating opportunities for young Nigerians to transform their ideas into innovations with potential societal impact.
Her achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a source of pride for the Olabisi Onabanjo University community.
As the University continues to promote academic excellence, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, Awoyemi’s story serves as an encouragement to students to look beyond the classroom, identify real-world problems and develop solutions capable of making a meaningful difference.
Olabisi Onabanjo University celebrates Covenant Ibukun Awoyemi’s international accomplishment and wishes her continued success in her academic pursuits and future innovative endeavours.
