A student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Mustapha Ahmed, has brought pride to the institution after emerging overall winner at the 5th National Students Project Competition held in Abuja. The event, organized by the Committee of Deans of Engineering of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (COMPODET), featured top student innovators from across the country.

Ahmed, a final-year HND student in the Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology Department, won first prize with his project titled “Design and Construction of a Smart Scarecrow System for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity”. The innovative work earned him a ₦100,000 cash award and a certificate of participation.

His project offers a fresh perspective on an age-old challenge in Nigerian agriculture—how to keep birds and pests from damaging crops. Using smart sensors and automation, the system mimics a scarecrow but with intelligence. It detects animal movement and reacts accordingly, helping farmers protect their crops without the need for constant supervision.

“This is more than just a scarecrow,” Ahmed said after receiving his award. “It’s a fusion of technology and tradition aimed at solving a real problem in our farming communities. I’m grateful to my lecturers and the Polytechnic for believing in me.”

The journey to national victory began at the zonal level of the competition held at the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, where Kwara Poly came second in the North Central zone. Ahmed’s project later stood out at the national stage after thorough evaluation by the panel of judges.

Dr. Oba Mustapha Zubair, Director of the Institute of Technology at Kwara Poly, commended Ahmed’s ingenuity and commitment. “This win reaffirms our belief that practical, locally-relevant engineering education is key to solving Nigeria’s development challenges. Ahmed’s work reflects what we stand for—innovation with impact.”

The annual COMPODET competition has become a rallying point for engineering students in Nigeria, providing them with a platform to showcase functional projects that can address real-world issues. It also supports the country’s push for technology-driven growth by encouraging student-led innovation.

The recognition not only boosts Ahmed’s academic profile but also signals a promising future for young Nigerian engineers working on solutions that directly benefit society.