Students challenged to drive innovation in hydrogen, decarbonisation at university hackathon

By Martin Metieh

University and polytechnic students have been challenged to harness innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration to develop practical solutions that will accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy through hydrogen and decarbonisation technologies.

The charge was given during the University/Polytechnic Hackathon on Hydrogen and Decarbonisation, themed “Innovating for a Net-Zero Future: Hydrogen and Decarbonisation Solutions for Nigeria”, held in Ibadan.

The competition brought together multidisciplinary student teams to develop innovative concepts addressing the country’s energy and climate challenges.

The hackathon was organised by the Girls and Women Technological Empowerment Organisation (GWTEO) in partnership with the H2-diplo – Decarbonisation Diplomacy Programme, commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and financed through the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The programme is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, with additional support from Roshan Renewables and Ashdam Solar.

Speaking at the event, the convener of the hackathon and founder of GWTEO, Dr. Damilola Asaleye, said the initiative was designed to inspire and equip young innovators with the skills and platform needed to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

She noted that the hackathon reflects the shared commitment of the German government, the Nigerian government and implementing partners to strengthen local innovation ecosystems, promote green skills development, and support Nigeria’s emerging hydrogen economy.

“The world is undergoing a profound energy transition. Countries, industries, and communities are seeking solutions that reduce emissions, strengthen energy security, and build sustainable economies,” she said.

“Hydrogen and decarbonisation technologies are becoming increasingly important in achieving these goals. Through this hackathon, we challenged students to think beyond conventional approaches, identify pressing energy and climate challenges, and develop practical solutions that can contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future.”

Head of the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Kristina Fürst, said the initiative demonstrates the importance of collaboration across disciplines in addressing complex energy challenges.

“Hackathons create spaces where diverse perspectives come together. A software engineer sits next to a policy expert. A business student collaborates with someone experienced in the energy sector. These different perspectives often produce solutions that would not emerge within isolated disciplines,” she said.

Fürst noted that the H2-diplo programme seeks to strengthen international cooperation on hydrogen and decarbonisation while supporting partner countries such as Nigeria in developing the knowledge, skills, and innovation required for a sustainable energy future.

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“We are convinced that Nigeria’s energy future will be shaped by people who can connect technology, policy, business, and innovation to develop solutions that are both practical and scalable,” she added.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, described the hackathon as an important investment in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

He said such initiatives encourage multidisciplinary collaboration, rapid problem-solving, and entrepreneurship while enabling young people to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges.

“This event represents much more than a competition. It is an investment in Nigeria’s future innovators. Many successful technologies and start-ups began as ideas developed during innovation competitions such as this,” he said.

The competition concluded with student teams presenting innovative concepts focused on hydrogen technologies, clean energy access, industrial decarbonisation, and sustainable energy solutions.

At the end of the competition, Roju Hydrostore from Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, represented by Yusuf Lawal, emerged as the overall winner, while HuskPower and H2Banks secured second and third places, respectively.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engineer Ademola Aderinto, also pledged government support for outstanding participants, describing young innovators as critical to achieving sustainable environmental and energy development in the state.

He assured the students that the state government would explore ways of supporting exceptional projects capable of contributing to clean energy and environmental sustainability.