Ogun nursing student wins London award for biogas innovation

A nursing student at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, Covenant Ibukun Awoyemi, has won the Best Research Innovation of the Year award at the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 Grand Finale in London.
Awoyemi, a 400-level student, was recognised for developing a biodigester designed to convert livestock waste into biogas, a renewable energy source that can be used for cooking and other energy needs.
The competition was held at ExCeL London from 7 to 11 October, according to information released by the university.
OOU said Awoyemi earned a place at the international event after participating in the national innovation programme, where she represented Ogun State at a showcase in Abuja.
The university said the programme attracted more than 2,900 applications nationwide, with 70 candidates shortlisted for the London finale.
Her innovation uses anaerobic digestion to convert animal waste into biogas, offering a potential solution to agricultural waste management and renewable energy production.
The technology could help reduce environmental pollution while providing an alternative source of energy for households and farming communities.
The challenge was organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation in partnership with UKALD and other organisations.
Another Nigerian student, Oluwatayo Ayodele Michael of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, was also reported to have received an award at the event.
Awoyemi’s recognition highlights the participation of students from disciplines outside engineering and agriculture in developing solutions to energy and environmental challenges.