Unilorite wins FMN innovation award with VitA-cookies project
By Mustafa Abubakar
A student of the Department of Food Engineering, University of Ilorin, Bello Ajoke Musharafat, has emerged as the 3rd place winner at the prestigious Flour Mills, Nigeria (FMN) Prize for Innovation 5.0 in Category 2 with her innovative project titled “VitA-Cookies”.
The project centres on the development of nutritious cookies produced from 70 per cent pro-vitamin A biofortified cassava flour and 30 per cent wheat flour through controlled fermentation technology. The innovation is aimed at combating hidden hunger, particularly Vitamin A deficiency, while also reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported wheat.
The achievement, which was witnessed by UNILORIN Bulletin penultimate Tuesday (May 19, 2026) on the sidelines of the event, has been widely celebrated within the Faculty and the University community as another reflection of the institution’s growing reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and research-driven solutions to national challenges.
Reacting to the development, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Joshua Olanrewaju Olaoye, described the feat as a proud moment for the Faculty and the University at large. He noted that the recognition further underscores the quality of students being produced by the institution.
Similarly, the Head of the Department of Food Engineering, Dr M. S. Sanusi, commended Musharafat for the outstanding performance and dedication displayed throughout the competition process. He described the award as a product of resilience, creativity, and the culture of excellence being promoted within the Department.
Dr Sanusi also encouraged students to remain committed to innovative research and solution-driven ideas capable of contributing meaningfully to national growth and food security.
Speaking on the achievement, Musharafat expressed gratitude to the University management, lecturers, mentors, colleagues, friends, and everyone who supported and believed in the vision behind the project. She noted that the encouragement and support received played significant roles in the success recorded.
According to her, “VitA-Cookies is more than just a food product; it is a sustainable food engineering solution designed to improve nutrition, support local agriculture, and strengthen Nigeria’s food system.”
The award further reinforces the position of the University of Ilorin as a hub for innovation, academic distinction, and impactful research.
