The University of Lagos Engineering Society’s Academic & Research Board (ARB), in partnership with Dangote Cement Plc, has officially launched the 2026 Industry-Based Engineering Research Competition.
This initiative invites inventive undergraduate engineering students across Nigeria to pitch actionable, eco-friendly strategies to tackle actual technical bottlenecks found within the cement manufacturing sector.
Who is Eligible?
To clear the evaluation phase, competing groups must satisfy these conditions:
- Enrollment Status: Members must be active undergraduate engineering students at a Nigerian institution.
- Team Makeup: Submissions require a cohort of 2 to 4 students who all attend the same university. Forming multidisciplinary engineering squads is highly recommended.
- Work Integrity: All entry concepts must be completely unique and previously unpublished.
- Prior Knowledge: Candidates do not need any background experience in cement production.
Focus Areas
Participating groups must focus their project on one of these four core industrial tracks:
- Alternative Fuel Sourcing and Pricing Optimization
- Predictive Maintenance and Reliability Early-Warning System
- Cement Production Conversion Gap
- Digital KPI Automation and Data Quality
A cumulative prize pool valued at ₦1.5 million will be split among the top three performing teams:
Standing
Cash Prize
Winner- ₦700,000 + Certificate
First Runner-Up- ₦500,000 + Certificate
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Second Runner-Up- ₦300,000 + Certificate
Professional Growth: Beyond cash awards, participants will receive direct mentorship from seasoned industry professionals, network with engineering leaders, and earn corporate visibility from a top-tier African manufacturer.
Required Submission Documents
Registered cohorts must prepare and submit a comprehensive project packet containing:
- An executive presentation restricted to 10 slides.
- A technical appendix detailing any relevant prototypes or models.
- A one-page business case summarizing financial assumptions, projected value, costs, and potential risks.
- An execution roadmap dividing milestones into immediate, short-term, and medium-term phases.
- A safety and risk analysis.
- A disclosure statement outlining data limitations and baseline assumptions.
How to Apply & Deadline
Submission Deadline: July 9, 2026
Apply Here: Interested student teams can submit their team rosters and selected project tracks directly through the official application link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfugF-KnVn7qHRuXgsXpf1axFZ7iNAwto0LgwZRbxKaqjvjIg/viewform
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
