By Boluwatife Oparinde
In a remarkable display of brilliance, innovation, and academic excellence, Emmanuel Aanu Ajayi, a 500-level student of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, also serving as the Academic Coordinator of CAC Mount of Blessing, Kwara State University, has emerged as the First Place Winner at the National Finals of the Digital For All Challenge 2.0.
The final event which held in Abuja on September 18, 2025, crowned Emmanuel with a grand prize of ₦10 million, marking a significant milestone not just in his academic journey, but also for the entire CAC youth community.
His path to national victory was not accidental. He began by winning at the State level, advanced triumphantly through the Regional stage, and ultimately stood out at the national finals with outstanding performance.
Earlier this year, Emmanuel spoke at the 2025 Academic Stars Summit, where he talked about scholarship opportunities and the importance of leveraging academic excellence for global opportunities.
The Digital For All Challenge 2.0 is Nigeria’s leading digital skills competition. It is organised by Tech4Dev in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and funded by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The initiative is designed to equip young people and civil servants across the country with essential digital skills in areas such as software development, digital marketing, data analysis, product design, and cybersecurity. The competition brings together the best of Nigeria’s digitally skilled youth, and Emmanuel’s victory speaks volumes of his capability, resilience, and readiness to compete on a global stage.
Speaking on his achievement, Emmanuel emphasised the importance of sharing such successes within the CAC community. According to him, this achievement is important not just to celebrate, “but to encourage other CAC students to do more and win opportunities, and so that the world will know that we CAC students are excellent not only in spiritual but in their academics also.”
Emmanuel has also distinguished himself as an innovator. He is the inventor of SUNPOD: A Solar Power Station for Equipping Individuals and Communities in Nigeria with Accessible and Sustainable Renewable Energy Solutions. With the funds from this award, he plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence into his solar technology innovation to enhance digital literacy and also lay the foundation for building his Solar Technology Company that will drive clean energy and solar energy education access across Nigeria and Africa.
The leadership of Christ Apostolic Church Youth Fellowship, Nigeria and Overseas, congratulates Emmanuel Aanu Ajayi for this exceptional accomplishment. It is our prayer that this milestone will open even greater doors for him, and inspire many other young people within our fellowship to strive for excellence in all areas of his life academically, professionally, and spiritually.
Christ Apostolic Church is proud to celebrate our student who has proven that with faith, diligence, and vision, young people in the Church can rise to national and international relevance. Emmanuel’s story is not just a win; it is a message that CAC youths are taking the lead on the global stage.
