French energy giant, Schneider Electric, is turning to Nigerian students to power the country’s transition into clean energy. The company partnered with Enactus, a global non-profit focused on youth innovation, to host the 2025 Enactus Nigeria National Competition in Lagos. The event brought together students from more than 30 universities, who pitched creative solutions to Nigeria’s energy and environmental challenges.
The competition forms part of Schneider Electric’s global ambition to train one million young people by 2025. In Nigeria, the company is using education and entrepreneurship to build a new generation of clean energy innovators who can solve problems ranging from battery storage to waste recycling and access to affordable energy.
Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, popularly known as JoSTUM, emerged overall winner in the Battery Innovation Challenge with its project named ENERGIV. The innovation uses plastic waste to create carbon nanotubes that improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries by enhancing conductivity and extending battery life. The judges described it as a breakthrough idea that combines waste management with renewable energy solutions.
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, came second with its Cell Matrix project, a smart battery management system. The system applies machine learning and embedded sensors to monitor the health of batteries, detect problems early, and optimise charging cycles. Kaduna Polytechnic claimed third place with SmartVolt, an adaptive charging algorithm that reduces energy waste and extends battery lifespan by using real-time sensor data.
Schneider Electric provided cash prizes for the top teams: €2,000 for the first prize, €1,500 for second, and €1,000 for third.
JoSTUM did not stop at winning the battery challenge. The university also took first place in the Enactus Core Programme with its project BettaCoal Energies. The project combines clean cooking and environmental sustainability by producing smokeless briquettes, an improved air-circulating stove for faster and safer cooking, and biodegradable food containers for restaurants. The initiative aims to reduce the health risks of traditional firewood and charcoal cooking, while creating jobs for underserved communities and boosting small businesses.
By clinching the national championship, JoSTUM will represent Nigeria at the Enactus World Cup 2025 scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from September 25 to 28. The school will compete against top student teams from other countries, showcasing Nigerian ingenuity on the global stage.
Speaking at the event, the Country President of Schneider Electric Nigeria, Mr Ajibola Akindele, MFR, said the contest reflects the company’s commitment to empowering young people. “Contributing our quota towards upskilling youths for the future is a key priority at Schneider. 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,” he stated.
Also, Access to Education Coordinator at Schneider Electric West Africa, Mrs Funmilayo Olakitan, explained that the programme fits into the company’s broader sustainability vision. “It was truly rewarding to see how forward-thinking these youths are, developing entrepreneurial and business skills that will equip them for the future. For Schneider Electric, this is more than a partnership; it directly contributes to our global goal to train one million youths by 2025, while also advancing SDGs 7, 11, and 12,” she said.
On his part, the Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, Mr Michael Ajayi, described the competition as a sign of the potential of Nigerian students. “The energy, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by these 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 towards a more sustainable and equitable future,” he said.
The 2025 edition of the competition has again shown how Nigerian students are applying science, technology, and entrepreneurship to solve long-standing issues in energy, waste, and environmental sustainability. With the backing of global partners like Schneider Electric, many believe the innovations coming from Nigerian campuses could play a bigger role in shaping the country’s clean energy transition in the years ahead.
