Nigerian Nursing Student Wins Best Research Innovation Award at London Competition

A Nigerian nursing student, Awoyemi Covenant, has won the Best Research Innovation of the Year award at the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 Grand Finale in London, United Kingdom.

Covenant, a 400-level student at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, received the award after representing Nigeria at the international competition held from October 7 to 11, 2026.

OOU announced her achievement on its social media page on Monday, congratulating the student on her performance and recognition at the competition.

According to the university, Covenant earned a place at the London finale after participating in a national innovation programme, where she represented Ogun State at a showcase in Abuja.

The university said she was selected following her participation in the programme, which attracted more than 2,900 participants. From the initial pool, 70 candidates were shortlisted to compete at the grand finale in London.

Covenant ultimately emerged as the winner of the Best Research Innovation of the Year award, marking a significant achievement for the Nigerian student on the international stage.

Her award-winning innovation is a biodigester appliance designed to convert livestock waste into biogas, a renewable energy source that can be used for cooking and other energy needs.

The technology offers a potential way to turn animal waste into useful energy while supporting more sustainable waste management practices. Biodigesters can also help reduce reliance on conventional cooking fuels, depending on their design and how they are used.

The recognition highlights the role of student-led research and innovation in developing practical solutions to environmental and energy challenges.

Covenant’s achievement also brings recognition to Olabisi Onabanjo University and Nigeria, demonstrating the potential of young researchers to contribute ideas with applications beyond the classroom.

The NextGen Innovation Challenge brought together shortlisted candidates for the London finale, where Covenant stood out with her research innovation.