KwaraPoly Student Clinches National Smart Farming Innovation Prize
A student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Mustapha Ahmed, has brought honour to the institution and Kwara State by clinching the top prize at the 5th National Students Project Competition held in Abuja.
Ahmed, a Higher National Diploma (HND) 2 student from the Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology Department, impressed the judges with his project titled “Design and Construction of a Smart Scarecrow System for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity.” The project, which merges technology with agriculture, won him a cash prize of ₦100,000 and a certificate of recognition.
His invention uses sensors and automation to protect farmlands from birds and pests, helping farmers reduce crop losses and increase yield. The system represents a modern twist to the age-old scarecrow method, offering farmers a more reliable and sustainable solution to a common agricultural challenge.
The competition, organised by the Committee of Deans of Engineering of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COMPODET), serves as a platform to discover and celebrate practical engineering solutions developed by Nigerian students.
KwaraPoly had earlier secured the second position in the North Central Zonal qualifiers held at Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, which paved the way for Ahmed’s entry into the national contest. His project emerged best overall after a rigorous selection process that saw students from various institutions present their ideas.
Speaking after his victory, Ahmed said the experience was a turning point in his academic journey. “This award means a lot to me. It shows that the knowledge we gain in school can solve real problems. I appreciate my lecturers and everyone at KwaraPoly who supported me,” he said.
The Director of the Institute of Technology at KwaraPoly, Dr. Oba Mustapha Zubair, praised Ahmed for his innovation and determination. “This win speaks volumes about the quality of training our students receive. We are proud of Mustapha and are confident that more students from our institution will rise to similar heights,” he stated.
The event, held alongside the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Assembly, focused on bridging the gap between theory and practice in engineering education, with student-led projects taking centre stage.
Ahmed’s success not only brings prestige to KwaraPoly but also underscores the potential of young Nigerian engineers to contribute to national development through practical, home-grown innovations.
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