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Top 10 Finalists Set to Showcase Groundbreaking Student Innovations at COUCH 2025 Grand Finale

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The stage is set for the grand finale of the Coderina University Challenge (COUCH), as the Top 10 student-led innovation teams converge at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Secretariat, Abuja, on 20th November 2025.

COUCH, an initiative of Coderina Education and Technology Foundation, is designed to inspire innovation, creativity, and problem-solving among students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The 2025 edition has drawn remarkable participation from universities nationwide, with students developing solutions that address real-world challenges through technology, research, and entrepreneurship.

This year’s grand finale holds special significance as it coincides with the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)—a worldwide celebration of innovators and job creators under the theme “Together We Build.” The alignment underscores Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of innovators capable of driving inclusive growth and sustainable development through science, technology, and innovation.

Stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and the private sector are expected to attend the event to witness the ingenuity of Nigeria’s young innovators and explore pathways for collaboration, mentorship, and investment.

Speaking ahead of the event, Coderina Founder, Olajide Ademola Ajayi emphasized the importance of fostering innovation-led education and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs.

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The COUCH program continues to serve as a national platform for showcasing how Nigerian youth are using creativity and technology to reimagine the future.

Meet the teams:

1. Nile University of Nigeria – Neuronaut Robotics: The team developed Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) designed for subsea pipeline inspection, aiming to address the critical issue of corrosion and damage leading to oil and gas leaks.

2. Kwara State University – Team Green: They built SUNPOD, a portable solar-powered station designed to address Nigeria’s significant energy deficit. It aims to provide affordable, clean, and off-grid electricity for lighting and device charging, benefiting rural homes, students, small businesses, and healthcare facilities.

3. Federal University of Technology Akure – Team CIRCLE: The team built an intelligent waste management system that combines mobile technology, IoT-enabled smart bins, and AI-driven waste sorting to address Nigeria’s waste management challenges by making disposal easier, more rewarding, and data-driven for a cleaner environment and a circular economy

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4. Ahmadu Bello University – Pup Industries: Has a Plastic to Paint (P2P) initiative, addressing the global issue of plastic waste, particularly in Nigeria, by transforming low-density polyethylene and polystyrene into eco-friendly, mosquito-repellent paint.

5. Federal University of Technology Minna – Waste2light: This is dedicated to transforming waste materials into sustainable energy solutions. Waste2Light focuses on empowering underserved communities by creating affordable, off-grid power systems from recycled resources, while also providing youth training in fabrication and clean energy.

Beyond existing products, the company is developing innovative solutions like hybrid power systems for flood-prone areas and eco-charcoal briquettes from rice husks.

6. Lagos State University – ScrapLink: ScrapLink is a digital marketplace designed to connect small-scale scrap metal sellers with qualified buyers, primarily targeting an underserved market in Lagos, Nigeria. It addresses inefficiencies in the scrap industry by leveraging AI for material classification and valuation, a dual-verification point system for transactions, and integrated logistics for transport.

7. Adamawa State University- ADSU Fresh Innovators: This project focuses on developing an eco-friendly lubricant grease from polyethylene waste, specifically addressing the environmental impact of plastics on human health and ecosystems. The process involves chemically converting shredded plastic waste into a synthetic oil, which is then blended with additives to create the lubricant.

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8. Imo State University- Team IMSU: This project aims to transform palm oil waste into clean energy and biochar. This system addresses environmental issues like CO₂ emissions and provides solutions for rural communities lacking access to clean cooking fuel. The digester generates biochar for soil enhancement, biogas for heating, cooking, and electricity, and captures CO₂ for industrial sale or carbon credits.

9. Kaduna State University – ReGenX: Wrap2Grow is an initiative which focuses on developing a biodegradable packaging material designed to convert into biofertilizer after use.

10. Igbinedion University- EcoCircular Labs: EcoCircular focused on transforming palm oil waste into a sustainable biofertilizer in Nigeria, specifically the Okada region. The core problem addressed is the severe environmental degradation caused by the improper disposal of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), which pollutes soil and water and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed solution involves anaerobic co-digestion of these waste products to create nutrient-rich, pelletized biofertilizer, offering an alternative to costly inorganic fertilizers.

Join the conversation via #COUCH2025 #GlobalEntrepreneurshipWeek #TogetherWeBuild #InnovationInEducation #Coderina.

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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Africa Prudential Unveils Digital Growth Strategy

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Africa Prudential Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth and digital transformation after posting another strong half-year financial performance, driven by robust growth in its core registrar business, technology-driven solutions and increased activity in Nigeria’s capital market.

Speaking during the company’s H1 2026 Investor Call on Tuesday, the management outlined plans to deepen revenue diversification and accelerate innovation as part of efforts to reduce reliance on interest income and strengthen long-term profitability.

The company reported gross earnings of ₦4.28 billion for the first half of 2026, representing a 27 per cent increase from ₦3.34 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Profit before tax rose by 22 per cent to ₦2.41 billion, while profit after tax climbed 18 per cent to ₦1.59 billion.

Net operating income also increased by 27 per cent to ₦4.21 billion, while total assets grew by 13 per cent to ₦46.53 billion. Shareholders’ funds similarly rose by 13 per cent to ₦12.52 billion.

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According to the company, the impressive performance was driven by sustained growth in its registrar business, increased corporate actions across the Nigerian capital market, stronger treasury earnings supported by the prevailing interest rate environment and rising adoption of its technology-enabled products and services.African Mineral Wealth

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Catherine Nwosu, said Africa Prudential is steadily evolving from a traditional share registrar into a diversified technology and business solutions provider serving the broader capital market ecosystem.

Addressing concerns from investors about the sustainability of earnings if interest rates decline, Nwosu said the company was deliberately expanding its non-interest income sources.

“Interest rates influence our treasury income positively, but that is why we are deliberately diversifying our revenue streams. Our strategy is to grow recurring fee-based business lines such as our digital solutions, Know Your Customer (KYC) services, AGM technology, probate services and the SabiVest mobile app. Over time, this will reduce our reliance on interest income and create a more balanced and resilient earnings mix,” she said.

She noted that increasing activity in the Nigerian capital market presents fresh opportunities for technology-driven solutions.

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“With capital market activity nearly doubling over the past year, demand for seamless digital investor experiences, improved market efficiency and stronger compliance standards continues to grow. We are investing in technology-enabled solutions that position us to capitalise on these opportunities while delivering sustainable value to our shareholders,” she added.

Looking ahead, the company identified five strategic priorities for the second half of 2026, including driving sustainable growth through its core registrar business and new revenue streams, accelerating technology-led product innovation, strengthening brand leadership, investing in talent development and reinforcing corporate governance.

The investor call attracted institutional investors, shareholders, analysts, regulators and other capital market stakeholders, reflecting strong interest in Africa Prudential’s earnings outlook, revenue diversification strategy and long-term growth plans.

 

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IHS Nigeria Donates Business-Support Equipment to Empower People with Disabilities in Abuja Community

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Communications infrastructure company, IHS Nigeria, has donated business support equipment to empower people with disabilities within the Karonmajiji community in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This is part of the company’s commitment to drive inclusive community development and sustainable livelihood support under its Project Empower initiative.

The equipment was distributed to beneficiaries during a ceremony held in the community on Monday, July 27. The initiative was conceived following a community needs assessment and is designed to empower active traders by providing them with business tools rather than cash grants, thereby strengthening their businesses and ensuring long-term economic impact and accountability.

Speaking at the event, Director, Sustainability, IHS Nigeria, Titilope Oguntuga, described the initiative as a reflection of the company’s commitment to advancing inclusive development by equipping persons with disabilities with the tools and opportunities needed to build resilient livelihoods.

She explained that rather than providing short-term financial assistance, IHS Nigeria adopted an asset-based approach by donating 50 pieces of business support equipment, including sewing machines, freezers, generators and hairdressing kits, to the selected beneficiaries.

According to her, the intervention is designed to create lasting value by supporting entrepreneurship, promoting self-reliance and strengthening household incomes, while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

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In his opening remarks, the Chief of the Karonmajiji Disabled Community, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammed Katsina, represented by the Secretary of the Community, Alhaji Mohammed Dantani commended IHS Nigeria for its commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through practical and sustainable interventions.

He described the initiative as a demonstration of genuine partnership with the community and expressed appreciation for the company’s continued engagement with the Association, noting that the donation of the equipment was a significant investment in improving the livelihoods of persons with disabilities and would create meaningful economic opportunities for the beneficiaries and their families.

The event brought together traditional rulers, government representatives, leaders and members of the Karonmajiji Disabled Community Association, implementing partners, including Field of Skills and Dreams Vocational Technical and Entrepreneurship (FSD VTE) Training Institute and other community stakeholders, reaffirming a shared commitment to promoting inclusion and sustainable community development.

Project Empower reinforces IHS Nigeria’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through strategic partnerships that promote economic inclusion, strengthen community resilience and create opportunities for underserved communities.

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CIBN, ACAMB Push for Financial Inclusion, Women Empowerment

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The Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) and the Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) have enjoined banks to further deepen and prioritize financial inclusion, women’s empowerment and sustained growth through strategic mandates and frameworks, aimed at closing the financial gap and empowering more small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners.

Both organisations made this call during a courtesy visit to the newly invested 24th President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Dele Alabi, Ph.D, FCIB, as part of plans to congratulate him on his investiture as well as seek a stronger alliance between both bodies.

The visit followed Alabi’s investiture where he unveiled his “IMPACT” Vision, themed “Consolidating Our Local Impact, Enhancing Our Global Relevance.”

The vision rests on six pillars: Inclusion across geographic, gender, and generational lines; Membership growth and quality; Professionalism and ethics; Accountability; Competencies and skills development; Technology, automation, and innovation. Other areas of shared interest, include women empowerment, financial inclusion and literacy, as well as MSME clinics, all of which are top on his agenda.

Alabi explained that under him, the institute will be prioritising financial inclusion and women empowerment, because of its realisation that women  are often the primary financial managers and caregivers in families. Access to savings, micro-credit, and insurance acts as a safety net during crisis and allows them to significantly improve living conditions.

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He added that CIBN would be happy to drive joint knowledge sharing and exchange sessions with CBN and ACAMB across various platforms. “Educating the public through public awareness programmes, with ACAMB as the rallying point, is central to what we do,” he noted.

ACAMB President, Jide Sipe, who led the delegation, spoke in unison with the CIBN president, as he noted that, closing the inbalances in financial access help economies grow faster, reduces inequality, and encourages greater civic participation by all.

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