Through Project Based Learning approach the contestants at the Nigerian Genius Engineering Competition (2022) were trained to acquire essential industry and manufacturing skills which they deployed to build products using different manufacturing processes. The students built the following products which Nigeria currently imports:
Mobile Phone Chargers (produced through electronics design software, PCB CNC milling and 3D printing)
Adjustable Tables (produced through metal fabrication)
Engine Parts (crank shaft produced through metal casting and connecting rod produced through CNC machining)
Plastic enclosures and engravings (produced through laser cutting and engraving)
This builds capacity for local production of goods which will boost Nigeria’s economy and strengthen the Naira.
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has been ranked no.1 in engineering education after winning the just concluded Nigerian Genius Engineering Competition 2022. Engineering students representing four (4) tertiary institutions in Nigerian competed in the finals of the competition and team UNN emerged the winner receiving a cash prize of N1 million. Forty-five (45) tertiary institutions were shortlisted for the competition, out of which four made it to the finals in Aba. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA), Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) and University of Nigerian Nsukka (UNN) were the finalists and are ranked according to their performance (scores) in the competition:
No.1: University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)
No.2: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH)
No.3: Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE)
No.4: Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA)
Nigerian Genius Winners (Team UNN) with the judges and other finalists.
The challenge: Solving Nigeria’s Power (Energy) Problem
The contestants were given a challenge to design and build solutions for Nigeria’s power (energy) problems using renewable energy sources.
Team UNN (Benstowe Destiny, Uzodinma Somto, David Okenwa) designed and built a Portable Water-Powered Electricity Generator that can be installed in every home with overhead water tank. It also includes an Energy Management System which monitors and displays power generation, consumption and reserve. This innovative product will make free electricity available in virtually every home in Nigeria.
Team LAUTECH (Oyewo Taoheed Oyetayo, Abisoye Akinloye Samson, Ayanwole Iyanuloluwa Moses) designed and built a Hybrid Solar and Wind Electricity Generation System which includes a tracking and positioning system for the solar panels. Their system provides energy both in the day from sun and at night from wind.
Team FUOTUOKE (Udo Success Ifunanyachi, Nwaneri Ifeanyi Vincent, Sampson Hekagemkosiem Ojum) designed and built an Inverter and Automated Solar Tracking and Positioning System for solar panels. This will significantly improve the power generated from solar panels.
Team FUTMINNA (Abdullahi Adeyemi Asimiyu, Reheemah Alayaki, Attahiru Jibril) designed and built a Hybrid Solar and Wind Electricity Generation System with a mobile phone tracking function. This enables consumers to track their energy generation, sharing and consumption on the go wherever they might be.
The Nigerian Genius is supported by ACT Foundation, Engineering X (Royal Academy of Engineering), CLINTONEL Advanced Engineering Centre and Autodesk.
The Nigerian Genius Engineering Competition (Campus Edition) is an engineering challenge that brings together Nigeria’s brightest minds in tertiary institutions to solve Nigeria’s toughest engineering and manufacturing challenges. During the challenge, the contestants learn Advanced Engineering Skills from industry experts and are given access to Precision Manufacturing Equipment at CLINTONEL Advanced Engineering Centre Aba to build engineering and manufacturing solutions for Nigeria. These young geniuses undergo intensive training on engineering and different manufacturing processes including: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Product Design and Development, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), 3D Printing, Laser Engraving, Laser Cutting, CNC lathe machining, CNC 4-axis Machining, Welding, Fabrication, Metal Casting, etc. They are further tasked with deploying the skills acquired to design and build different engineering products and solutions. The winning team receives the award prize, while the winning tertiary institution ranks No 1 in Engineering Education in Nigeria.
