Schneider Electric, Enactus Empower Varsity Students To Develop Energy Solutions

Schneider Electric, in partnership with Enactus, an international nonprofit organisation, has empowered university students to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that address pressing community needs.

The two organisations recently concluded the 2025 edition of the Enactus Nigeria National Competition, an annual competition featuring two main initiatives: The Battery Innovation Challenge and The Core Programme at the Civic Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

Schneider Electric Nigeria’s country president, Ajibola Akindele, said Schneider Electric is “Contributing its quota toward upskilling youths for the future is a key priority. One of our core values is impact. Young people across communities are solving real problems, and our role is to support and empower them to do so on a bigger scale.”

Schneider Electric sponsored the Battery Innovation Award, with winners receiving €2,000 for first place, €1,500 for second place and €1,000 for third place. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM) secured first place with ENERGIV, a solution that converts plastic waste into carbon nanotubes to enhance lithium-ion batteries, improving conductivity and lifespan.

Ahmadu Bello University took second place with Cell Matrix, a smart battery management system (BMS) that uses machine learning and embedded sensors to monitor battery health, detect anomalies, and optimise charging cycles. Kaduna Polytechnic came third with SmartVolt, an adaptive charging algorithm that uses real-time sensor data to intelligently manage charging speeds, thereby extending battery lifespan and reducing energy waste.

After clinching first place in the Battery Innovation Challenge, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM) again emerged National Champion of the Enactus Core Program with its sustainable initiative, BettaCoal Energies. JoSTUM will represent Enactus Nigeria at the Enactus World Cup 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, from 25 to 28 September.

Access to Education coordinator, Schneider Electric West Africa, Funmilayo Olakitan, said, “It was gratifying to see how forward-thinking these youths are, developing entrepreneurial and business skills that will equip them for the future. For Schneider Electric, this is more than a partnership; it is part of our long-term commitment to train one million youths by 2025 and directly contributes to SDGs 7, 11 and 12.”

Country director, Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi, said, “Through our partnership with Schneider Electric, we are not only building capacity but also inspiring a generation to take bold steps toward a more sustainable and equitable future. This competition is a clear example of how collaboration between the private sector and academia can drive lasting impact.”

Other representatives present at the national finals were Omobolanle Omotayo, marketing manager, Anglophone West Africa, Schneider Electric, and Adebayo Agbaje, Business Development Manager, A2E, Schneider Electric.

This year’s competition brought together over 33 universities across Nigeria — federal, state and private — who participated in both the Core Program and the Battery Innovation Challenge. Preparations spanned over a year, with student teams designing community-based solutions that promote sustainable waste recycling and battery efficiency.