A final-year engineering student from Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta is taking a homegrown agricultural innovation to the global stage, spotlighting Nigeria’s growing influence in sustainable technology solutions.
Adeboye Oluwagbemiga, a 500-level student in Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, has developed a hybrid drying system designed to tackle post-harvest losses, one of agriculture’s most persistent challenges in Africa.
From FUNAAB Campus Idea to Global Recognition
Adeboye’s journey into innovation began with a training programme at the 720 Degree Innovation Hub, where he gained the skills to transform ideas into practical solutions.
His breakthrough came in late 2025 when he presented his project, HybriDry, at a university innovation showcase.
The solution quickly gained attention for its relevance and scalability, earning him a place among finalists in the Global Sustainability Challenge, where he will represent Nigeria in Germany in April 2026.
The Innovation: HybriDry
HybriDry is a solar-biomass hybrid drying system designed to preserve agricultural produce in environments with unreliable electricity.
The system combines solar energy with biogas generated from agricultural and household waste, including animal droppings.
By offering a low-cost and sustainable drying method, the innovation addresses critical issues such as: post-harvest losses; energy scarcity in rural communities, and environmental sustainability.
Built with an initial grant of ₦200,000, the prototype demonstrates how locally driven innovation can deliver practical solutions to real-world problems.
Scaling Through Opportunity
Beyond the global competition, Adeboye has also been selected as one of 65 finalists from over 30,000 applicants in Nigeria’s Student Venture Capital Grant programme, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education aimed at supporting student-led startups.
The next phase of the programme, scheduled to take place in Lagos, could provide funding to scale HybriDry for wider adoption across farming communities.
Bridging Engineering and Impact
Adeboye combines technical expertise with practical application, using tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SolidWorks alongside hands-on fabrication skills. His ability to move from design to execution has been key to the development of his prototype.
Beyond engineering, he leads ECOSYNERGY, a student-driven sustainability initiative, and remains active in community and leadership roles, reflecting a blend of technical innovation and social impact.
Global Relevance of Local Innovation
His work has already earned recognition, including Best Pitch Prototype at the FUNAAB Career Fair and participation in a Stanford University-affiliated sustainability challenge.
At its core, HybriDry is designed to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, who often lose a significant portion of their harvest due to inadequate preservation systems.
By aligning with global sustainability priorities such as clean energy, climate action, and responsible consumption, the innovation positions Nigeria within the broader conversation on the future of food systems.
As Adeboye prepares to showcase his innovation in Germany, his journey reflects a broader shift in Africa’s innovation landscape, where local ideas are gaining global relevance.
His story underscores a growing reality: impactful solutions to global challenges are increasingly emerging from African campuses, driven by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to solving real problems.
He was celebrated by FUNAAB for the global innovation fit.
