It was an excited moment ,Friday, when students who made it to the grand finale of the Enugu Campus Hackathon showcased their talents in the digital world.
The event held at the Main hall of the Enugu International Conference Centre , drew government officials, captains of industry, tech enthusiasts, and academics who gathered to witness the future of the Enugu state’s digital economy unfold.
Eleven finalist team, selected from tertiary institutions across the state, took the stage to pitch innovative, tech-driven solutions targeted at transforming critical sectors of the economy. Their ideas, ranging from hardware innovations to scalable digital platforms, reflected the growing appetite among Enugu’s youth to move beyond theory and build real-world solutions.
SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Mbah, described the hackathon as a practical demonstration of his administration’s commitment to repositioning Enugu from a consumption-based economy to a productivity-led and innovation-driven one.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah said, the initiative goes beyond a mere contest for prizes
The students
He explained that it is a structured, state-backed innovation pipeline deliberately designed to identify promising talents in tertiary institutions and support them in refining their ideas into scalable enterprises.
“Governor Mbah has been clear from inception that Enugu must transition to an enterprise-powered economy anchored on technology, private sector growth, and institutional reform.
“This hackathon represents governance in action, where policy meets opportunity and talent meets structure.,” Onyia said.
He disclosed that the competition began months ago with campus engagements at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Godfrey Okoye University, and Coal City University. From these institutions, selected team advanced into an intensive bootcamp where their products were rigorously tested through validation exercises, business model stress-testing, and market analysis before emerging as finalists.
He disclosed that the incentives attached to the programme underscored the government’s seriousness.
“The Best Hardware or DeepTech Application is set to receive $2,500, while the overall winner will take home $5,000 alongside post-hackathon incubation support valued at over $10,000 for six months. Second and third place team will receive $3,500 and $2,500 respectively, in addition to structured enterprise support,” the government said.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, . Kingsley Udeh,SAN, who was represented at the event, by the Director- General ,PRODA, Dr. Peter Ogbobe, commended the Enugu State Government for institutionalising innovation and creating platforms for young people to translate ideas into enterprises.
The minister stressed that innovation is not merely about technology but about solving real problems and improving lives.
He urged participants to see the hackathon as a stepping stone to long-term impact rather than just a competition for financial reward.
” Today is not just a competition. It is a celebration of ideas, passion, and the limitless possibilities that innovation brings.
“Over the past weeks and months, we have witnessed remarkable projects, from sustainable energy solutions to cutting-edge digital applications , all developed by students who dared to think differently..”
To the students he said, ,”You have shown that innovation is not just about technology; it’s about solving real problems and making life better for our communities.. Congratulations! Your journey here is a testament to your hard work, curiosity, and resilience.
“Remember that competition is not only about winning awards; It’s about learning, growing, and inspiring others. Each idea you bring forward has the potential to transform industries, improve lives, and shape the future of our nation,” he said..
To the teachers and mentors, the minister continued, “we owe you sincere gratitude. You have nurtured these young talents, encouraged critical thinking, and instilled the values of perseverance and excellence. Your dedication has laid the foundation for the next generation of innovators”..
He thanked the parents and families if the student for their unwavering support, saying, “. Behind every successful student is a family that believed in their dreams and stood by them through challenges..
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Representative of the minister, Dr. Peter Ogbodo .
As a government, we are committed to fostering an environment where innovation thrives by investing in science and technology, improving access to quality education, and creating opportunities for young innovators to excel. Our vision is clear: to empower every young person with the tools, resources, and confidence to turn their ideas into reality.
“Today, we celebrate not just the finalists, but every student who participated with courage and enthusiasm. Let this competition be a stepping stone, a springboard for even greater achievements.. May your imagination continue to soar, and may your innovations contribute to a smarter, better, and more prosperous future for our country”, .Udeh said.
In his speech,the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mark Okoye, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to youth-driven innovation and digital transformation in the South East, declaring that the future of the region lies in technology, data and artificial intelligence.
The SEDC boss highlighted the enormous economic potential of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, noting that trillions of dollars are projected to be realised globally from AI-driven solutions.
He stressed that while opportunities in the tech ecosystem are vast, the challenges had often been the failure to properly nurture, monitor and scale promising ideas.
“There is so much in technology, especially in AI and real-time data. But beyond launching programmes, we must ensure ideas are followed through, monitored and supported to deliver real impact,” he said.
One of the team during their presentations
Participating institutions included the University of Nigeria, Institute of Management and Technology, Coal City University and Godfrey Okoye University, among others.
The finalists pitched innovative, tech-driven solutions aimed at addressing challenges in various sectors, positioning themselves as key drivers of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Okoye revealed plans to intentionally groom at least 1,000 tech talents through structured programmes and partnerships, describing the initiative as part of a broader strategy to make the South East a leading innovation hub in Africa.
He commended the organisers and partners for creating a platform that connects young innovators with investors, policymakers and ecosystem leaders.
“This is how ecosystems are built — by identifying talent early, supporting them with the right structure and ensuring their ideas translate into scalable ventures,” he said..
Arinze Chilo-Offia ,SPA to the Governor on Digital Economy
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Digital Economy, Arinze Chilo-Offia, said the hackathon forms part of a broader Digital Economy Transformation Agenda focused on expanding digital infrastructure, reforming startup policies, enhancing skills development, activating outsourcing opportunities, and providing structured access to capital
“We are building systems that convert talent into products, products into startups, and startups into jobs. The future economy will reward preparation, discipline, and execution, ” he said.
ChiloChilo-Offia in an interview with Newsmenin and interview with Newsmenin
A documentary screened during the event revealed that the initiative is backed by over $100,000 in combined prizes, seed funding, incubation support, and long-term mentorship.
As the finalists delivered their presentations, the atmosphere was charged with optimism and confidence.
For many in attendance, the event was a proof that Enugu’s digital future is no longer a distant ambition but a structured, measurable, and scalable reality driven by its youth.
Judges at the competition included startup founders, investment professionals and tech hub leaders who evaluated the finalists based on innovation, scalability and impact.
The results were as follows
Under the Deep tech category
ANBU GynaeCare won $2500
General category
- Growdex $5000
- Hig flyer $3500
- Linia finance $2500
