By Femi Oyelola
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has honoured four female students who emerged Grand Prize winners at the 2025–2026 Huawei ICT Competition Global Final in Shenzhen, China, for developing an Artificial Intelligence-powered solution to detect malaria parasites in underserved communities.
The recognition ceremony, organised by the Women Leading Change in Africa Project under the IIOE Nigeria National Center, was held at the Yusufu Bala Usman Hall and celebrated the students’ feat on the global stage.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, described the achievement as proof that Nigerian students can compete successfully with their counterparts across the world when given the right opportunities.
Ahmed disclosed that the university had commenced efforts to secure a patent for the innovation, commercialise the solution and provide the students with advanced training and research opportunities at one of ABU’s partner institutions in China.
He said the initiative would ensure that the innovation moves beyond the competition stage to deliver practical healthcare solutions while strengthening the university’s research profile.
Project Coordinator of the WLCA, Dr. Basira Yahaya, said the award reflected resilience, excellence and the enormous potential of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Yahaya, who is also the Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, noted that the students’ success demonstrated the value of sustained investment in female participation in science and technology.
According to her, the achievement showed what is possible when talented young women receive the support and opportunities needed to excel in innovation.
The event featured a keynote address on opportunities in STEM, goodwill messages from university leaders and the screening of a documentary showcasing the students’ award-winning project.
The students later received awards amid applause from lecturers, students and guests, as the university reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging more female students to pursue careers in ICT and engineering while expanding its research and innovation footprint.If you want, I can also produce this story in the exact house style used by The PUNCH, including a stronger lead and tighter closing paragraphs.
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