Two student-led teams from the University of Abuja have been selected to represent the institution at the prestigious Food System Innovation Challenge, hosted by Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
Blessing Iye Sunday, from the Faculty of Science, will lead Team Millet Mavens, a five-member group tackling food insecurity, unhealthy diets, and harmful pesticide use. Mentored by Professor Ogunlade-Anibasa Grace Oyiza, the team’s project explores the potential of finger millet to produce healthy flour, a nutritious milk powder alternative, and an eco-friendly biopesticide.
Meanwhile, Ilias Rukayat Ajike of the Faculty of Agriculture heads Team Nature Pro, made up of six innovators working to reduce environmental pollution caused by food packaging. Their research focuses on developing biodegradable alternatives to styrofoam and nylon using banana, plantain, teak, and miracle plant leaves and stems.
At a send-off event on Monday, Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Mathew congratulated both teams and emphasized that innovation and patents are critical to Nigeria’s growth.
“You are ambassadors of creativity and resilience. We expect you to return not only with international recognition but with experiences that will inspire others,” he said.
The Dean of Agriculture, Professor Akeem Oyerinde, who coordinated the projects, also commended the students and assured them of the university’s full support.
The Food System Innovation Challenge brings together young innovators from across the globe to design solutions that strengthen sustainable food systems and address pressing global challenges in nutrition, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
