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By Vera Wisdom- Bassey
A 300-level Industrial Chemistry student of Bells University of Technology, Confidence Amamba, has emerged winner of the maiden edition of the university’s 2026 Pitchathon competition, clinching the grand prize of N1 million with her science-driven herbal haircare brand, CONFIA.
The three-day innovation competition, organised to identify and reward outstanding student entrepreneurs and innovators, drew participation from students across various faculties of the university, especially those in technology and innovation ecosystem. The initiative was sponsored by BOT Company, and designed to encourage students to transform creative ideas into viable businesses.
The competition began with 72 teams registering for the innovation hub. Following several rounds of screening and evaluation, the number was reduced to 25 top teams before four finalists eventually emerged. At the end of the keenly contested exercise, Amamba’s brand, CONFIA, stood out among other entries to secure the top position.
CONFIA is a science-rooted, herb-powered haircare and wellness brand focused on solving hair-related challenges through natural and chemical research. The project impressed judges with its blend of scientific innovation, entrepreneurship and practical application.
Other teams that participated in the competition included Zenith, Watcher, Akinkanju, Apex and several others whose innovative ideas were also commended during the event.
Speaking shortly after receiving the N1 million prize, Amamba expressed excitement over the recognition, stating that her journey into haircare innovation began after she noticed a gap in the industry and realised science could provide solutions.
According to her, the formulation of CONFIA products involved the use of over 100 herbs carefully researched and tested to achieve positive haircare results.
“I saw there was a gap in haircare and I realised science could solve the problem,” she said. “I started trying different herbs and discovered they worked for me. I then began advising people on how to care for their hair properly.”
The young entrepreneur disclosed that the inspiration to turn the idea into a business came while she was preparing for her 200-level examinations.
“I thought to myself that this could become something bigger,” she explained. “I discussed the idea with my family, and from there I decided to build the brand. Today, it has become rooted in CONFIA.”
She noted that studying Industrial Chemistry gave her the drive to explore and experiment with natural ingredients, adding that her long-term vision is to make CONFIA a household name in Nigeria within the next decade.
“My dream is that in the next 10 years, everyone in Nigeria will know about CONFIA,” she said. “I want it to become the number one hair care brand in the country. We are already in the market and people can place orders for our products.”
She added that the N1 million prize money would be invested in expanding the brand, creating more products and increasing market reach.
“I will use the money to create more products and get them into the market,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, commended the students for their creativity and innovation.
The Pitchathon competition which was named in his name as an honour was part of the activities celebrating his legacy and contributions to the institution.
Addressing participants, Prof. Ojediran encouraged students to remain focused and continue building ideas capable of impacting society positively.
“Whatever you are today can take you places,” he said. “After everything is said and done, what remains is your name and your contribution.”
The Vice Chancellor described the large turnout of 72 participating teams as evidence of the innovative spirit among students of the university.
“To discover that 72 teams participated gladdens my heart,” he said. “My prayer is that what starts as one idea today will multiply into thousands tomorrow.”
Reflecting on his years in office, Prof. Ojediran said one of his greatest joys had been watching students evolve into mature and innovative individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
“I have seen students come into this school immature and leave transformed,” he said. “When they return, they are innovative, accomplished and making waves in different sectors. That gives me fulfillment.”
Also speaking at the event, the sponsor of the programme, Dr. Boyode Oke-Thomas, the CEO of BOT Company, urged students to believe in their abilities and remain committed to building Nigeria instead of seeking opportunities abroad.
“Only one person can stop you from achieving your goals and that person is you,” the sponsor said. “We want young people to understand that even small ideas can become great things.”
The sponsor disclosed that the organisation partnered with Bells University because of its reputation for producing innovative students with leadership potential.
“I do not want to ‘japa,’ I want to stay and build Nigeria,” he said. “These students have shown that Nigeria still has hope.”
He further revealed plans to increase sponsorship support in future editions, expressing optimism that subsequent competitions could feature prizes of N5 million or even N10 million.
“We are excited about the future,” he said. “These young people are talented and deserve support. We are committed to ensuring their ideas come to life.”
The acting Director of Distance Learning at the university, Dr. Micheal Adenibuyan, while speaking at the event, explained that the Pitchathon initiative was created to support students’ dreams and help them transform ideas into reality.
According to the director, the university was committed to grooming students into innovators capable of making meaningful contributions to society and the global economy. “The essence of the programme is to support dreams and ideas within Bells University,” the director said. “We want to groom students and help them bring their ideas to life, not just for themselves but for the development of the nation and the global community.”
The official added that even participants who did not win the grand prize should still see themselves as winners because they had the courage to present their ideas publicly. “Coming out to pitch your idea already makes you a winner,” the director stated. “Nobody can stop you from becoming what you want except yourself.”
According to the organisers, all participants would continue to receive mentorship and support through an online incubation platform established after the competition. “We have seen ideas that started this way grow into businesses that are now scaling across Lagos and Abuja,” the director added.
Explaining why the organisers chose to award N1 million prize to one winner instead of sharing the money among the finalists, the director said the decision was aimed at giving meaningful support capable of transforming a business idea into reality. “If the money was divided among many people, it would not make much impact,” the official said. “We decided to support one dream strongly and help it grow.”
The university also revealed plans to make the Pitchathon an annual event and possibly expand participation in future editions. “We believe the turnout next year will even be bigger,” the director said. “For now, we wanted to start from within Bells University because charity begins at home.”
One of the student leaders, David Olalekun Adewuyi, 500 level Computer Science students, who is also the Nigerian Association of Computing Students (NACOS) president of the school chapter, stated why they decided to name the event after the Vice Chancellor. “We decided to take the programme after our Vice Chancellors’ name in order to bring him back to school every year, since he is about to retire. So, we decided to come up with an event that will enable us bring him back, because he has done a lot for us as a father figure and mentor. That was why we did this, but initially the programme was termed Harcathon, which was only for IT students, Computer students, but Pitchathon is for every student to come and pitch their ideas, which could be your brand or anything.
“If you feel the idea is good for the nation, community, come and pitch your idea. So, this gave them power, since the students can participate, including those from Engineering, Food tech, and Computer Science,” he said.
