FNA NEWS, Lagos Nigeria. 22nd October, 2026.
Nigerian Nursing Student Beats 70 Others to Win Best Research Innovation of the Year in London
A 400-level nursing student from Olabisi Onabanjo University has won the Best Research Innovation of the Year award at the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 Grand Finale in London.
Covenant Ibukun Awoyemi represented Nigeria at the event held at ExCeL London in early October 2026. She was one of only 70 finalists selected from more than 2,900 participants across Nigeria.
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Her winning project is a biodigester appliance that converts livestock waste into biogas. The device uses anaerobic digestion to turn animal waste into a clean energy source that can be used for cooking and other household needs. Officials listed the project as the Green and Renewable Energy Biodigester.
The competition was organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in partnership with UKALD and other organisations. It aims to identify practical Nigerian solutions to real-world problems.
From National Showcase to International Stage
Awoyemi first competed at the national level, where she represented Ogun State. After advancing through the national showcase in Abuja, she joined the shortlist of 70 innovators who travelled to London for the grand finale.
Judges recognised the project for its potential to address two challenges at once: managing agricultural waste and increasing access to renewable energy. The innovation supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including clean energy, responsible consumption, and climate action.
What This Means for Nursing
The win highlights a growing trend: nursing students are applying problem-solving skills beyond the clinical setting. Awoyemi’s project shows how nurses can contribute to public health through environmental and energy solutions.
Waste management and clean cooking fuel are closely linked to community health in many parts of Nigeria and across Africa. Poor waste handling increases the risk of disease, while reliance on wood or charcoal for cooking contributes to indoor air pollution and deforestation. Solutions like this biodigester can reduce those risks while creating local energy sources.
Olabisi Onabanjo University has publicly celebrated the achievement, describing it as a proud moment for the institution and for Nigerian students. The recognition also draws attention to the value of supporting student-led research and innovation in health-related fields.
Awoyemi’s success offers a clear example of what is possible when nursing education encourages creativity alongside clinical training. It strengthens the case for more investment in research opportunities for nursing students across the continent.
Fellow Nurses Africa congratulates Covenant Ibukun Awoyemi and will continue to spotlight nursing-led innovation that improves health and sustainability in Africa.
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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.
Kehinde Oluwatosin is one of the many editors here at Fellow Nurses Africa and fellownurses.com.
He is a registered nurse with a Master of Science degree in healthcare leadership from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. Kehinde is passionate about advancing the nursing profession across Africa. As Co-Founder of Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a key role in shaping editorial direction, ensuring our content educates, informs, and empowers nurses continent-wide.
With expertise in leadership, patient flow, and healthcare operations, Kehinde brings valuable insights to nursing news, career development, and policy discussions. He is committed to amplifying the voice of African nurses and driving positive change in the profession.
