Nnamdi Azikiwe University Student Wins NexEdge Prize

Maureen Ogochukwu Ekweaga, an undergraduate researcher at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, won the inaugural NexEdge Prize for Food Systems Innovation for the 2025/2026 academic session. Her research, supervised by Prof.

Charl N. Ishiwu, focused on improving the process of instant fufu to enhance shelf stability and sensory quality.

The NexEdge research scheme aims to help undergraduate researchers develop practical approaches to real-life food and nutrition challenges. The inaugural edition received 156 research proposals, with the final oral defense taking place on May 5, 2026, at the Soil Science Hall of the university.

Ekweaga emerged as the overall winner, while Comfort Ir Ona was named the first runner-up for her research on nutrient retention in black turtle beans, and Mari Jane Chioma Okonkwo finished as the second runner-up for her work on solar-dried egg powder aimed at reducing post-harvest loss. The judging panel included senior academics such as Prof.

Jame Obiegbuna and Prof. Helen Obioma Agu.

Following the success of this inaugural edition, NexEdge announced plans to expand the program to include virtual mentorship and wider institutional partnerships for future international research collaborations.