The Kaduna State Government has awarded N3 million to a team of students from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, for developing an innovative walking aid designed to assist visually impaired persons.
The students received the cash award at a brief ceremony held at the Kaduna State Ministry of Youth development.
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The award followed the Final Year Project Exhibition organised by the Department of Computer Engineering, ABU, Zaria, where various innovations developed by final-year students were showcased.
Among the projects displayed was the walking aid for visually impaired persons, which attracted significant attention on social media because of its innovative features and potential social impact.
Following the public interest generated by the project, the Kaduna State Government invited the students to present and demonstrate the device.
The presentation took place during an event organised by the state government to commemorate International Youth Day in Kaduna on September 4, 2026.
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The students demonstrated the functionality of the device at the event, prompting the state government to pledge N3 million in recognition of the innovation and its potential to support persons living with visual impairment.
Members of the project team are Abdullahi Misbahu Anchau, Usman Abdullahi, Sadiq Abdulmumin, Muhammad Kabir Kabir, Shamsudeen Aminu, Shehu Hauwa Modibbo, Ibrahim Khadija Musa, Adamu Aliyu, Auwal Adamu and Mujahideen Abubakar.
The students were accompanied to the award ceremony by the Director, Advancement and International Education; the Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, Dr Basira Yahaya; and Dr Saminu Idris of the Department of Political Science and International Studies.
Dr Yahaya described the award as a significant achievement for the students, the Department of Computer Engineering and the university.
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She said the recognition further demonstrated the potential of student-led innovations to address real-world social challenges and attract external support.
The development highlights the growing role of university-based innovation in creating practical solutions to challenges affecting vulnerable groups and communities.