Maduka University wins 2026 South-East business plan competition

Despite appearing as a debutant, Maduka University has defeated more than 21 federal, state and private universities to emerge winner of the 2026 National Business Plan Competition for the South-East Zone.

The competition was organised by the Association of Directors of Entrepreneurship Centres in Nigerian Universities in partnership with the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Maduka University, owned by CEO OF Peace Mass Transit, Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi, commenced operations with 19 pioneering programmes in 2023. It is located along the Enugu-Nsukka New Road in Ekwegbe, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State,

Chinonso Josuha Ezema, a 400-Level Mechatronics Engineering student, and Caleb Nwabo, a 300-Level Nursing Science student, who represented Maduka University won with the co-founded Agricept Foods, a student-led enterprise focused on transforming locally sourced agricultural produce into value-added food products.

Their winning business plan centres on the processing, packaging and marketing of Ose Nsukka (Nsukka Yellow Pepper) for local consumption and international export, demonstrating the potential of local agricultural resources to create economic opportunities.

Nigeria-British University secured second place while Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, came third.

The three institutions will represent the South-East at the National Enterprise Competition scheduled to hold in Abuja in November 2026.

Chancellor of Maduka University, Dr Samuel Maduka Onyishi, described the achievement as a source of pride for the University, noting that the first-place finish reflects the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and determination of its students and staff.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ogbulogo, added that the success validates the University's commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, research and practical solutions that contribute to job creation and economic development.