By Waziri Isa Adam
The Enactus Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Team, under the mentorship of its Faculty Advisor, Professor Muhammed Kabir Aliyu, has won the 2026 Student Ventures Capital Grant (S-VCG) competition organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in Lagos.
The team, led by Abdulfattah Omisanya of the Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, presented their innovative project, P2P (Plastic to Paint), a product of Enactus ABU PUP (Plastic Upcycled Products) Industries, which converts plastic waste into high-quality paint.
The S-VCG programme received over 30,000 applications nationwide, with only 65 finalists selected after a rigorous evaluation process assessing innovation, scalability, impact potential, and business viability. The ABU team was among the winners, recognised for their innovative solution to environmental pollution and sustainability.
The team participated in a bootcamp at the UNDP Innovation Centre in Lagos, engaging in training, mentorship, and pitch refinement activities. At the Grand Finale event, Abdulfattah Omisanya presented the venture, highlighting its environmental impact, commercial viability, and scalability.
PUP Industries was awarded ₦50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) in equity-free funding by the Honourable Minister of Education, a major milestone for Ahmadu Bello University, recognising it as a leading hub for student innovation.
Prof. M.K. Aliyu, Faculty Adviser, Enactus ABU Team, praised the team’s dedication and innovative spirit, saying, “This achievement marks a significant breakthrough for our students and reinforces ABU’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.”
The grant will enable PUP Industries to scale up production, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s circular economy initiatives, promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation.