Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has opened a three-day Department of Computer Engineering Research Fair aimed at showcasing innovative research and intellectual products developed by the department to address contemporary societal and engineering challenges.
The research fair, organised by the ABU Research Fair Committee, was opened on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Main Lobby of the Kashim Ibrahim Library.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Prof Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi, performed the opening ceremony.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Research Fair Committee, Prof. Ken Okoli, said the committee had recorded significant progress within its short period of existence, including securing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PAN.
He explained that the Computer Engineering Department was selected as the first department to host a solo research fair because of the outstanding performance and innovative capacity demonstrated by its students.
He said the initiative evolved from the university’s general research fair into department-specific fairs designed to bring research outputs closer to the university community and potential users.
Speaking at the occasion, Prof Rafindadi commended the committee for the initiative, stressing that research should go beyond publications to produce practical solutions, commercial products and enterprises that benefit both researchers and the university.
According to him, the university was encouraging researchers to pursue patents and commercialise their innovations. He noted that the ultimate goal was to create enterprises from research outputs.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor described the Research Fair Committee as an “iroko tree” under which units across the university could showcase their research and innovations.
He also described the Department of Computer Engineering as a source of pride to ABU, noting that its activities had helped project the university’s name internationally.
He further highlighted the commitment of the University Management, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, to creating an enabling environment for innovation through collaborations with industry partners, including AMA Pharmaceuticals, giving students opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop solutions to real world challenges.
The exhibition features research outputs and innovations across five major areas, security, health, environment, agriculture and transportation demonstrating the application of computer engineering in addressing societal needs.
In attendance were the Director, Research and Innovation, Prof Joy Maina; Director, Distance Learning Centre (DLC), Prof M.B. Muazu; and the Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, among other members of the university community.
Visitors from relevant industries are also expected during the coming days to interact with the researchers and explore potential areas of collaboration.
The fair continues daily from 9:00 a.m. at the Main Lobby of the Kashim Ibrahim Library until Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
