Veritas University, Abuja has been crowned National Champion of The Policy Challenge 2026 after two Software Engineering students defeated 321 other teams from across Nigeria.
Anigbogu Olivia Nneka and Joshua Okwoli of Team SMETrust clinched first position nationwide at the grand finale held at the University of Ibadan.
Beating 1,371 Entries From 67 Universities
The competition, organized by the Future Pathways Development Initiative, FPDI, drew 1,371 expressions of interest and 322 policy submissions from students in 67 tertiary institutions across the country.
After months of proposal reviews, regional semifinals, and a fiercely contested national finale, Team SMETrust from Veritas University came out on top.
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Winning Idea: “National SME Digital Compliance Interface”
Their winning proposal, the National SME Digital Compliance Interface, NSDCI, offers a bold solution to one of Nigeria’s biggest business problems.
The policy framework seeks to rebuild trust in the Nigerian state by simplifying regulatory and tax compliance for Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs through a single, unified digital platform.
Instead of navigating multiple agencies and paperwork, SMEs would be able to comply with government requirements in one place — faster, cheaper, and more transparently.
—N2 Million Prize And National Recognition—
As National Champions, Team SMETrust won:
– N2,000,000 Cash Prize
– Paid Policy Internship Opportunities within the FPDI Network
– Additional prizes, professional development opportunities, and National Recognition for Policy Innovation and Excellence
—“A Continuation Of Veritas’ Winning Streaks”—
The achievement was described by the University as proof of its commitment to producing solution-driven graduates.
The Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Abuja, Rev. Fr. Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, congratulated the team.
“This is quite remarkable and is continuation of Veritas’ winning streaks at various national and international competitions. We are delighted that our students have continued to make us proud,” he said.
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The Vice Chancellor also promised the University’s continued support for students who distinguish themselves in academics, innovation and national service.
The feat, according to a statement by Ben Agande, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, underscores Veritas University’s growing reputation as a hub for leadership, research and policy innovation in Nigeria.
