Nigerian wins Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation

By Ebun Sessou

A NIGERIAN, 27-year-old Systems Engineer, Godwin Benson has won the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation in Nairobi, Kenya.

Benson designed Tuteria, an online application that helps students in solving problems in their various academic courses and also allows them have access to qualified teachers who provide help to them on their phones.

He was among the four finalists who delivered presentations after which he was voted the winner of the competition as the Most Promising Engineering Innovator.

In an interview, Benson told Vanguard that he developed the application based on the experiences he had as a young tutor.

While speaking on the three runner ups, he said, “Andre Nel from South Africa designed the GreenTower Microgrid system, which reduces the energy used to heat water by 90 percent. A single unit can service 15 homes and reduce electricity demand from a community by 65 percent.

Hindu Nabulumba from Uganda designed the Yaaka Digital Learning Network, which teachers and students can use to share academic knowledge and materials.

Kelvin Gacheru from Kenya designed Mobi-Water system, which allows water tank users to monitor and control the water in their tanks remotely using a mobile phone. Users will be able to save more than 30 percent of their water. They all won £10,000 each.

According to him, “Other sixteen candidates were shortlisted from eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa and they received six months training and mentoring during which they learned to develop business plans and market their innovations. The group received coaching on communicating effectively, focusing on customers and approaching investors with confidence”, he said.

Benson who urged youths to be focused said that, he was humbled and grateful to the Academy for the training and support. “It’s such a vote of confidence to be chosen out of 16 incredible businesses. We will do the Africa Prize proud.” Benson wins UK £25,000 (10 million Nigerian Naira).

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