He Almost Died Because a Nigerian Hospital Lost Power. Instead of Running Away, He Built the Solution.

Imagine lying in a hospital bed, fighting for your life, only for the electricity to go out and the oxygen keeping you alive to stop flowing.
That was the reality for Nigerian engineer Derick Nwasor.
He survived. But instead of letting that traumatic experience define him, he decided to make sure fewer people would ever face the same nightmare.
After studying Physics and conducting advanced research on hydrogen fuel technology at KAUST in Saudi Arabia, Derick returned home and co-founded Newdigit with Joy Egbe.
Together, they created “Just Add Water” an innovative system that uses solar energy to split ordinary water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The result?
Clean electricity for hospitals
Medical-grade oxygen for patients
Clean water
No diesel generators. No toxic fumes. No dependence on delayed oxygen deliveries.
Today, the technology is already operating in three hospitals in Lagos, serving more than 24,000 patients annually, generating clean power, and reducing carbon emissions.
Now, “Just Add Water” has been shortlisted for the 2026 Royal Academy of Engineering Africa Prize, where it will compete for a £50,000 grand prize this October.
Derick’s story is a powerful reminder that some of the world’s greatest innovations are born from personal pain.
He didn’t allow Nigeria’s challenges to defeat him.
He turned a life-threatening experience into an invention that is now saving lives.
This is the spirit that continues to inspire the world: seeing problems not just as obstacles, but as opportunities to create lasting solutions.
The question is: What problem around you could become your greatest opportunity?
Share your thoughts below and let’s celebrate another Nigerian changing lives through innovation.