The Energy Policy Innovation Challenge 1.0 has been announced as a new student-led program designed to push forward practical ideas for Nigeria’s renewable energy development. Organizers described the initiative as a chance for young people to shape real policy directions. According to the Energy Law Society at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, “TEPIC is not just about ideas, but about crafting actionable energy policy strategies that could reshape the Nigeria energy sector.” The challenge focuses on clean energy solutions, policy innovation, and strategies that address current gaps in the country’s energy landscape.
The program is hosted by The Energy Law Society at UNN and invites students to develop sustainable energy policy proposals with a clear link to real issues. Participants will work from idea development to policy defense, and submissions will be judged on innovation, feasibility, and long-term impact. Only top teams will advance to a live final round where they will present before experts. This year’s theme is A Sustainable Energy Policy for Enugu State, with organizers saying the goal is to support “policy-driven change that reflects Enugu’s renewable energy needs.”
Winners will receive monetary prizes, including N450,000 for first place, N300,000 for second place, and N200,000 for third place. Organizers added that top entries will be published in a reputable journal, giving students national exposure among policymakers and experts in Nigeria’s green energy ecosystem. The challenge also offers mentorship opportunities, internships, and visibility in the broader renewable energy sector. Students are encouraged to use the experience to build skills in policy drafting, teamwork, and presentation as Nigeria pushes toward its energy transition goals.
Eligibility is limited to Law undergraduates from UNN, ESUT, and GOUNI. Each submission must include four co-authors representing Engineering, Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, and Social Sciences. The organizers noted that no prior experience in renewable energy is required, but applicants must show passion for issues such as rural electrification, solar adoption, and sustainable power strategies in Enugu State. This structure mirrors the interdisciplinary nature of real energy policy development.
Applicants must submit a detailed policy proposal document, team bios, visual aids such as charts or infographics, and references that align with Nigeria’s renewable energy frameworks. The deadline for all entries is November 22, 2025. The organizers advised students to prepare early, saying the deadline “is a window to influence Enugu’s sustainable energy future.”
To apply, students must form their teams, prepare their proposal, and send all required documents in PDF format to theenergypolicyinnovchallenge@gmail.com. Shortlisted teams will later move on to defend their proposals in oral presentations expected to hold in late November or December. Organizers say TEPIC “is a catalyst for the energy policy shifts we desperately need.”
