Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable innovation through its partnership with Enactus, an international nonprofit organisation focused on developing student-led entrepreneurial solutions.
The collaboration came to the fore at the recently concluded 2025 Enactus Nigeria National Competition, held at the Civic Centre in Lagos. The annual event brought together more than 33 universities from across Nigeria, giving students a platform to design and present entrepreneurial projects that address pressing community challenges.
The competition featured two main initiatives, the Battery Innovation Challenge and the Core Program, both designed to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and business-oriented solutions to real-life social and environmental issues.
Ajibola Akindele, country president of Schneider Electric Nigeria, described the partnership as central to Schneider’s mission of preparing the next generation for the future of work.
“Contributing our quota toward upskilling youths for the future is a key priority at Schneider. One of our core values is impact. Young people across communities are solving real problems, and our role is to support and empower them to do so on a bigger scale,” he said.
Innovative solutions to community needs
In the Battery Innovation Challenge, universities showcased projects designed to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JoSTUM), won first place with Energiv, an initiative that converts plastic waste into carbon nanotubes for enhancing lithium-ion battery performance. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, came second with Cell Matrix, a machine-learning-based battery management system, while Kaduna Polytechnic’s SmartVolt, an adaptive charging algorithm, secured third place.
Winners were awarded €2,000, €1,500, and €1,000, respectively, sponsored by Schneider Electric.
Beyond technical innovation, the Core Program highlighted projects addressing broader community needs. JoSTUM also clinched the national championship with BettaCoal Energies, a venture producing smokeless briquettes, improved cooking stoves, and biodegradable food containers. The project aims to improve health, create jobs in underserved areas, and promote cleaner energy alternatives for households and businesses.
As national champions, JoSTUM will represent Nigeria at the Enactus World Cup 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, later this year.
Youth empowerment at the heart of the partnership
Funmilayo Olakitan, Access to Education Project Coordinator at Schneider Electric West Africa, praised the ingenuity of participants.
“It was truly rewarding to see how forward-thinking these youths are, developing entrepreneurial and business skills that will equip them for the future. For Schneider Electric, this is more than a partnership—it’s part of our long-term commitment to train 1 million youths by 2025 and directly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.
Echoing this, Michael Ajayi, country director of Enactus Nigeria, described the competition as proof of the transformative power of collaboration between academia and industry.
“The energy, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by these students reflect the power of youth-led innovation in addressing real-world challenges. Through our partnership with Schneider Electric, we are not only building capacity but also inspiring a generation to take bold steps toward a more sustainable and equitable future,” he said.
Building bridges between education and impact
The Schneider–Enactus partnership is more than a competition, it is an investment in the future of Nigerian youth and their role in driving inclusive growth. By fostering skills in innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, the initiative is equipping students not only to solve today’s community challenges but also to shape the solutions of tomorrow.
