By Chinedu Adonu

ENUGU — Students of the Law Students’ Association, Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (LAWSA-UNN), have visited the Beaconsmith Collective, an innovation and technology community in Enugu, to explore the intersection of law, technology, governance and community development.

The visit coincided with a new milestone for the Collective as its Head of Ecosystem and Growth, Okechukwu Chisom, emerged second runner-up at the 2026 Enugu Water Sustainability Summit Essay and Debate Competition, earning a cash prize of ₦100,000.

The recognition adds to the Collective’s growing profile as a hub for innovation, research and youth-driven institutional development.

Founded by Engr. Nzube Ndiokwelu, the Beaconsmith Collective brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, technologists and innovators working in areas including artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital governance and community technology.

During the visit to Beaconsmith House, the students engaged with members of the Collective and learned about ongoing projects, including Oroma, a community operating system designed to improve transparency, accountability and record-keeping for associations, cooperatives and town unions.

The discussions also examined the growing role of emerging technologies in governance, digital records, institutional trust and community development.

Speaking during the engagement, Ndiokwelu said the future would depend on institutions that effectively integrate technology, research and community knowledge.

“The most important systems in society are not always the most visible. Communities, associations, cooperatives and civic institutions coordinate the lives of millions of people every day. Building better tools for these institutions is one of the great opportunities of our generation,” he said.

Representatives of LAWSA-UNN commended the Collective for promoting innovation, interdisciplinary learning and youth development, describing the visit as an enriching experience that highlighted practical applications of technology to societal challenges.

The visit concluded with discussions on potential collaboration in research, innovation and knowledge exchange as the Beaconsmith Collective continues to expand its work in community technology and digital infrastructure across Africa.