A Bayero University Kano student has won the 2026 Students Innovation Challenge, defeating 11 other finalists with an electricity solution called "Vertical Energy" that he says could transform power access for millions of Nigerians.

Nura Idris clinched the top prize at the Bayero University Kano Students Innovation Challenge 2026, an annual competition organised by the university's Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnership to push students toward developing solutions to national and global problems. The grand finale drew 12 student innovators who pitched ideas spanning renewable energy systems and technology driven social solutions, but it was Idris's energy concept that won over the judges.

The young innovator traced the idea to his frustration with Nigeria's persistent electricity shortages, which he described as a drag on education, commerce, and everyday life.

"What inspired me to create this innovation is seeing people suffer because of electricity shortages," Idris stated. "Students struggle to study without power, communities sleep in darkness, and businesses are crippled due to inadequate electricity supply. This problem motivated me to develop a solution, which led to the birth of Vertical Energy."

He noted that the innovation is aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 13 on climate action.

Idris expressed confidence that the project carries potential beyond the university environment. "This innovation has the potential to affect almost everyone in Nigeria because electricity remains a major challenge," he remarked. "By addressing this problem, we can improve livelihoods, support businesses, and contribute to sustainable development."

On the next steps, he revealed concrete targets for scaling the project commercially. "Our goal is to increase production capacity by 60% and reduce production costs to make the solution affordable for the average Nigerian," he disclosed. "Ultimately, we want to ensure that more people have access to electricity while supporting the growth of small and medium scale enterprises."

The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnership described the competition as a success, emphasising that the initiative prepares students for real world problem solving and economic impact alongside academic achievement.

Idris's win drew widespread celebration across the BUK community, with stakeholders pointing to Vertical Energy as a timely intervention in one of Nigeria's most persistent development challenges.