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Inaugural Edition

Undergraduate Industry-Based Engineering Research Competition

Engineering Solutions for Sustainable, Reliable and Efficient Cement Manufacturing

Prize Pool₦1.5M
Apply NowChallenge GuidelinesView Challenges

Set & sponsored by Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) · Organised by University of Lagos Engineering Society Academic & Research Board (ULES ARB)

DCP University Engineering Challenge announcement

Submission Deadline

Thursday, 9 July 2026 · 11:59 PM WAT

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About the Challenge

The DCP University Engineering Challenge invites university engineering students to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to real operational problems faced in cement manufacturing. Working in teams, students choose one of four challenge tracks and present an engineering and business case for a workable solution. Read the full challenge guidelines.

What this challenge is designed to do

  • →Bridge the gap between academic engineering and real industrial operations
  • →Develop problem-solving, data, and business-case communication skills
  • →Surface fresh ideas for cement manufacturing efficiency, reliability and sustainability
  • →Build links between DCP and emerging engineering talent

Eligibility

  • Teams of 2–4 currently enrolled university engineering students
  • Teams must be from one school
  • Multidisciplinary teams are encouraged
  • Select one of four challenge tracks
  • Submit only original work
  • No prior cement-industry experience required

Four Challenge Tracks

Each team selects ONE track. All four are weighted equally — choose the one that best matches your team's strengths.

1

Alternative Fuel Sourcing and Pricing Optimization

Design a sourcing model for feasible alternative-fuel streams within Nigeria that delivers reliable, safe, and cost-competitive fuel to DCP cement plants.

Recommended disciplines: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and others

2

Predictive Maintenance and Reliability Early-Warning System

Design a practical early-warning model that predicts or flags high-risk equipment before major failures occur across crushers, mills, kilns, and packing equipment.

Recommended disciplines: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, and others

3

Cement Production Conversion Gap

Diagnose why clinker strength does not always translate into cement output, and design a conversion-loss bridge separating rate, runtime, feed, and planning constraints.

Recommended disciplines: Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and others

4

Digital KPI Automation and Data Quality

Design a digital KPI reporting and validation concept that improves data quality, exception visibility, and management decision-making across DCP plants.

Recommended disciplines: Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, and others

Key Dates

Registration Opens

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Submission Deadline

Thursday, 9 July 2026

11:59 PM WAT

Shortlist Decision

Sunday, 12 July 2026

Final Pitch & Results

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

UNILAG

Prizes & Awards

Total Prize Pool

₦1.5M

Gold

1st Place

₦700K

Certificate

Silver

2nd Place

₦500K

Certificate

Bronze

3rd Place

₦300K

Certificate

Awards presented at the final pitch on 14 July 2026 at University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Frequently Asked Questions