The NexEdge Food Systems Prize has produced its first-ever winner after recognising innovative undergraduate research focused on solving food and nutrition challenges. The initiative, created to encourage practical solutions in Nigeria’s food sector, rewarded projects that moved beyond theory and addressed real-world problems affecting food quality, preservation, and sustainability.
The programme also highlights a growing shift toward student-led innovation as universities and organisations increasingly support research with measurable impact.
A student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ekweaga Maureen Ogochukwu, emerged as the winner of the inaugural NexEdge Research Proposal Prize for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Her research focused on improving the processing of instant fufu to increase shelf stability while maintaining sensory quality. The project was supervised by Professor Charles N. Ishiwu and stood out among dozens of submissions because of its practical relevance to food production and preservation.
The competition formed part of the broader NexEdge Research Scheme, an initiative designed to help undergraduate researchers build solutions around everyday food and nutrition challenges.
The programme came through a collaboration between NexEdge and the Department of Food Science and Technology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
According to NexEdge founder Maduabuchi Daniel Uluocha, the initiative reflects the value of partnerships that support young researchers early in their academic journey.
The competition attracted 156 research proposals, showing strong interest among students eager to tackle challenges in food systems and innovation.
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The final oral defence took place on May 5, 2026, at the university’s Soil Science Hall. Fifteen finalists presented research projects addressing important issues across food production, processing, and food security.
Comfort Ire Ona finished as the first runner-up after presenting research on improving nutrient retention while reducing energy use in black turtle bean processing.
Mary-Jane Chioma Okonkwo earned second place for her work on solar-dried egg powder production aimed at reducing post-harvest losses.
The judging process involved senior academics who assessed projects based on innovation, practicality, and possible long-term impact.
Food security remains a major concern across many developing economies, including Nigeria. Programmes like this create opportunities for young researchers to contribute ideas capable of solving everyday challenges.
The competition also reinforces the growing belief that innovation can start at undergraduate level. Students no longer need to wait until postgraduate studies or industry experience before developing impactful solutions.
NexEdge has already announced plans to expand the initiative through mentorship opportunities, broader institutional partnerships, and future international collaborations.
The first edition of the NexEdge Food Systems Prize shows that meaningful innovation can begin inside university classrooms. The strong participation level and quality of research demonstrate growing interest in practical problem-solving among young Nigerian researchers.
As the programme expands, it could create more opportunities for students to turn ideas into solutions with real-world value.
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