Bells varsity student wins N1m innovation prize

By Vera Wisdom- Bassey

Confidence Amamba, a 300 level Industrial Chemistry student of Bells University of Technology, Ogun State, has emerged the winner of the maiden edition of the university’s 2026 Pitchathon competition, clinching the grand prize of N1 million with her science-driven herbal hair care 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 the technology and innovation ecosystem.

The initiative was sponsored by BOT Company in Ota, Ogun State, and was 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 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 hair care 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 hair care innovation began when 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 hair care results.

“I saw there was a gap in hair care 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 examination.

“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 by 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.”

Amamba 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 Director of Distance Learning at Bells University of Technology explained that the Pitchathon initiative was created to support students’ dreams and help them transform ideas into reality.

According to him, the university is 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, the participants will 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 the full N1 million prize to one winner instead of sharing the money among 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’s 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 be even bigger,” the director said. “For now, we wanted to start from within Bells University because charity begins at home.”

The Vice Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, commended the students for their creativity and innovation.

The Pitchathon competition was named in his honour as part of 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 VC 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.”

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of BOT Company, Dr. Bayode Thomas, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, noting that the creativity, innovation and leadership potential displayed by students of Bells University of Technology prove that the country still has hope in its younger generation.

Thomas said his team was impressed by the level of organisation, originality and professionalism demonstrated by the students.

“We are more than excited to see that Nigeria has hope because of the young people that exist today. Bells is at the centre of that hope.”

According to him, the students independently handled most aspects of the programme with minimal external supervision, which he described as evidence of their readiness for leadership and national development

“The students of Bells are phenomenal. We had little involvement in organising the programme. All we did was explain what we wanted to achieve, and the outcome shocked us,” he stated.