Two students of the College of Health Technology, Zawan, Plateau State, Lar Manchen Alex and Kefas Rinret Dorcas, have emerged national finalists and secured second position at the 2024 Nigerian Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition held at the Sweden Embassy in Abuja, organised by Stockholm International Water Institute, Sweden.
Their feat, which showcased their innovative approaches to water and environmental challenges, also brought national recognition to the College of Health Technology, Zawan.
Acting Provost of the College of Health Technology, Zawan, Sant. Nonshuwan Sintiki Godfrey, commended Lar Manchen Alex and Kefas Rinret Dorcas for their outstanding performance at the 2024 Nigerian Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition, describing their second-place finish at the national level as a major achievement for the institution.
She said the feat demonstrated the students’ commitment, creativity and determination, urging them to build on the experience and pursue greater opportunities.
“We are proud of the work they have done, and we see this achievement as a stepping stone for them. We want them to maintain what they have developed and continue to grow,” she said.
Godfrey assured that the college would continue to identify, encourage and mentor students with innovative ideas, expressing confidence that the achievement would inspire other students to strive for excellence.
The Head of Department, Public Health and Epidemiology, Mr Bala Yakubu, said the students’ projects stood out because of their simplicity, affordability and potential to address water challenges, particularly in rural communities.
According to him, one of the projects explored the removal of excess fluoride from water using bone, while the other developed a simplified water filtration system using locally available materials.
Yakubu said the students progressed from the state to the zonal and national levels, commending the college management and lecturers for providing the support and platform that enabled them to participate successfully.
The students also expressed appreciation to the college management for giving them the opportunity to participate in the competition and showcase their innovations at the national level.
Alex said the competition, held from May 20 to 24 at the Swedish Embassy in Abuja, was challenging but expressed gratitude to God, the college management and the entire community for the support that enabled them to represent the institution and finish second nationally.
Rinret, who was part of the two-member team, said the competition involved extensive preparation, including paperwork, presentations and sleepless nights, but expressed gratitude that their efforts eventually paid off with a place at the national level.
Mrs Clara Henry, mother of Rinret, commended the college management for providing her daughter with the opportunity to participate in the competition, saying the achievement would not have been possible without the institution’s support.
Also speaking, Mr Nanfa James described the students’ second-place finish as a significant achievement, urging them not to underestimate the value of their hard work and recognition.
He encouraged the students to build on the opportunity, noting that such achievements could open doors to greater opportunities and enable them to make meaningful contributions to society.
