A team of student innovators (ENACTUS-UDS) has secured second runner up place award at a championship event with the theme “Empowering Youth Leadership for Innovation and Sustainable Impact” on 31st July, 2026 in Accra GNAT hall presenting local solutions to public health and environmental challenges. Their awarded innovations feature a plant-based mosquito repellent formulated to combat malaria, as well as an advanced water filtration system. The team members are made of Sualisi Rafia Chentiwuni, Elias Abaare, Shadrach Adeliwin Ayaaba, Sadida Eliasu, Shawkia Alhassan, ⁠Mariam Tiyumba Hamza, Saa-ilatu Mashud, Dora Basingma Tabareyeng, Matina Adams Panimalis, Seidu Abubakar, Hawa Maltiti Ibrahim.

Following their victory, the innovators attracted early commercial interest when a company, Itara, selected their mosquito repellent product and expressed intent to place larger orders. Institutional leaders noted that a dedicated committee has been established to support the project's commercialization and contact exchange.

The team is now preparing to compete on an international stage at the upcoming World Cup, scheduled for November 16 to 19. Prior to the event, the innovators will undergo intensive boot camps and training sessions focused on scaling their business model, developing marketing strategies, and pitching to prospective investors.

The  team presented the award to the vice-chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu which he was very happy to received the award also listen to how the competition was organized and also how they were able to emerged the second runner up during the final stage.

Prof. Mohammed Muniru ensure full financial backing for the global event and also calling institutional heads  for external corporate sponsorships to complement internal funds. Leadership emphasized the need to expand manufacturing capabilities and adopt large-scale production techniques, cautioning that local innovations must scale rapidly to remain competitive in the global market. Prof. Mohammed Muniru praised the champions for tackling widespread challenges like malaria with practical, market ready solutions.

Other staff who were also present were Dr. Umar (Dean of Students Affairs), Prof. Abubakari Alhassan (Director  for the West African   Centre for Shea Innovation and Research, WACSIR)  and his Deputy director. All these people gave them words of encouragement and promised to back them in terms of any resource needed for any innovation especial in terms of promoting shea innovation said by prof. Abukari Alhassan who promised them to take them through some of the shea expect of innovation.

Story by: Abdul Malik UDS media