By Nidala Muhammad Rabiu Ahmadu Bello University has once again affirmed its reputation for excellence in innovation and sustain...
By Nidala Muhammad Rabiu
Ahmadu Bello University has once again affirmed its reputation for excellence in innovation and sustainability with an impressive showing at the prestigious ‘Power the Community 2025’ International Design Competition. The university’s two student teams – Terra Haven and Shika Oasis – emerged among the top ten globally, showcasing outstanding creativity and practical solutions in energy sustainability.
The online competition, organised by Energy Mentors, a U.S.-based non-profit headquartered in Sugar Land City, Texas, attracted submissions from 18 countries. It was open to students from the undergraduate, graduate, and high school levels, challenging participants to design sustainable energy infrastructure for communities of their choice. The contest featured a total prize pool of $31,000, with a grand prize of $10,000.
Representing ABU, Terra Haven and Shika Oasis impressed the international jury with their innovative concepts, rooted in sustainable design, energy efficiency, and community development. Their success not only brought pride to the university but also placed Nigeria on the global map of energy innovation.
Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design, Prof. Abdullahi Abubakar, announced the students’ achievement while briefing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed. He noted that the teams had spent several months developing their designs under the guidance of a cross-disciplinary committee comprising instructors from the Faculty of Environmental Design and the Faculty of Engineering. Prof. Abubakar praised the students' resilience, noting that despite limited resources, they delivered world-class work. Quoting the adage, "Start where you are, do what you can, use what you have," he emphasized how the students made the most of their circumstances to achieve excellence.
In response, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adamu Ahmed congratulated the students and instructors, describing their performance as exceptional. He remarked that had it been a national contest, ABU would have clinched first place. He pledged the university’s support in exploring the real-world implementation of the designs in nearby communities and hinted at possibilities for federal adoption. He also commended the international recognition the students gained, stressing the global value of the certificates awarded to them.
Prof. Ahmed reaffirmed the university's commitment to academic excellence and innovation, assuring continued institutional backing for student participation in international competitions.
The Shika Oasis team, led by Morgan Ufuoma (Mechatronics Engineering), included Cuorge B. Emmanuel (Urban and Regional Planning), Umar Zainab (Glass and Silicate Technology), Okaekwu C. Nixon and Agada Williams (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering), Effiong Bassey (Industrial Design), Ismaila Blessing Salamatu and Usman Aisha Amani (Architecture).
Terra Haven was led by Adule Yima (Industrial Design), with team members Sani Samaila Dogo (Quantity Surveying), Augustine O. Joy (Architecture), Bello Omeiza Awwal (Building), Yahaya Faiza Oiza (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering), Ojo David Oladimeje (Urban and Regional Planning), Owoeye Ayomide (Glass and Silicate Technology), and Adegoke Labeeb (Mechatronics Engineering).
The university’s internal coordination for the competition was led by Prof. A.M. Stanley from the Department of Building, who chaired the five-member committee. Other members included Prof. Shittu Abdulmajid (Urban and Regional Planning), Dr. Y.Y. Badiru (Architecture), Aminu Yusuf Zubairu (Mechatronics Engineering), and Dr. Abdullahi Sule Argungu (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering).
The achievement adds another milestone to ABU’s growing track record in global academic and research excellence, particularly in the field of sustainable development and energy innovation.
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