By Uzo Ugwunze
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State has won the first and second prizes of the innovative tertiary institution category at the Solution Innovation District (SID) competition organised by the State government.
The institution defeated University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu and others at the exercise recently held at International Convention Center (ICC), Awka.
The team, lead by Prof. Azubike J. Ekpunobi, Director, Research and Innovation Directorate also produced the best tertiary institution researcher, Prof. Nkiru Meludu with first position and a cash prize of N2,000,000, and a group of electrical engineering researchers ably represented by Engr. Chukwuka Ogbonnaya in second position of best tertiary institution researchers with N1,500,000 naira only.
Congratulating the winning team, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu described the feat as dominance and testament that the university was blessed with skills, innovations and creativity.
He said: “UNIZIK has been in the news, especially in recent times for various reasons, including leadership changes.
“But today, we’re presenting to the world that UNIZIK is also a research institution where academics are still showcasing what they are here for.
“We contested with several other institutions at the competition organised by Anambra State government, and took the first and second positions in the research category.
“Apart from our staff, our students are also into research. The students took the first, second and third positions. This is dominance, a testament that the university is blessed with skills, innovation and creativity.”
Appreciating state government and the institution’s researchers for the various innovations, Ikechebelu restated his university’s readiness to partner captains of industries to bring innovative designs capable of bringing solutions to societal problems.
He also applauded the research team for their outstanding performance, promising continued support for them to keep advancing in their research.
“May I reiterate that UNIZIK remains a university to reckon with and making waves in innovations. Besides, our agricultural department is coming up with a farmers’ market which will be fully operational soon.
“We’re ready to partner with industries in the state to ensure these products which will remain research designs will also be commercially viable,” he added.
Earlier, Prof Nkiru Meludu listed the products behind the victory to include Tripple power supply IOT based smart home automation system as well as herbal tea, orange flowered potatoes used as flour and semovita.
“The Directorate gathered Innovations from different Faculties to form the UNIZIK team whose contributions gave UNIZIK first position in the competition,” she added.
Present at the press briefing were Director, UNIZIK FM, Prof Ifeoma Dunu, Engr Chukwuka Ogbonnaya, Manager UNIZIK FM, Dr Ify Obi, Acting Public Relations Officer, Njelita Louis, among others.