A Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin student, Mustapha Ahmed, has won the 5th National Students Project Competition, organized by the Committee of Deans of Engineering of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COMPODET), held in Abuja.
Ahmed, a Higher National Diploma (HND) 2 of the Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology Department of the institution, innovative project, “Design and Construction of a Smart Scarecrow System for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity,” secured him the coveted first prize, a cash award of N100,000 and a certificate of participation, showcased his technical prowess in addressing pressing agricultural challenges faced by farmers in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Ilorin last weekend by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mrs Halima Garba.
She said the project, which integrates modern technology with traditional farming practices, aims to improve agricultural efficiency and reduce crop losses caused by pests and birds.
Utilizing a smart scarecrow system, it employs sensors and automated features to deter animals from crops, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The competition, a platform for showcasing engineering ingenuity among Nigerian students, commenced at the zonal level held at Federal Polytechnic Nassarawa, where Kwara State Polytechnic demonstrated its competitive spirit by securing the second position in the North Central Zone.
The screening and evaluations at the national level, the statement said, Ahmed’s project was adjudged the overall best, taking the 1st position among finalists.
The recognition and financial prize would boost his academic journey and inspire other students in engineering disciplines to pursue innovative solutions that could impact their communities.
Ahmed expressed gratitude to his mentors and the institution for their unwavering support, stressing that the achievement is a testament to the potential of engineering students to contribute positively to the society.
The Director, Institute of Technology, Dr. Oba Mustapha Zubair, described Ahmed’s accomplishment as immense pride, praising his creativity and hard work. He stressed that the institution’s success at the competition serves as a testament to the quality of engineering education provided at the Polytechnic.
The COREN Assembly and COMPODET event provided a vital platform for engineering students across Nigeria to showcase their projects, share ideas, and address the challenges facing engineering education in the country.
