Undergraduates from six Nigerian universities showcased their innovative solutions to the energy crisis during the Energy Innovation Challenge at the fourth Annual International Week of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The participants, comprising both male and female students, represented UNILAG, Lagos State University (LASU), Trinity University (TU), Ladoke Akintola University of Science and Technology (LAUTECH), Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and Federal University of Technology, Minna.
The students were organized into 13 teams, each presenting their projects to a panel of judges and observers from both Nigeria and abroad. In her opening remarks, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, emphasized the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing Nigeria’s pressing energy issues. She mentioned that the university has established five innovation hubs to nurture various talents and encourage entrepreneurship among students.
Prof. Ogunsola highlighted the partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and expressed her commitment to using grants effectively to enhance the university’s presence in innovation and research. She encouraged the participants to continue refining their inventions to meet societal needs.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Development Services, Prof. Ayo Atsenuwa, reinforced the university’s mission to prepare students to positively impact their communities. She noted that universities are increasingly focused on translating research into practical benefits for society.
Dr. Olayinka Adewumi, Acting Director of the Innovation and Technology Management Office at UNILAG, shared that each of the 13 finalist teams received N500,000, with the top three teams competing for a total prize of N3 million. She acknowledged the support from the AFRETEC Network, which funded the innovation challenge, and praised the students’ creativity and mentorship opportunities.
The judging panel included prominent figures such as Engr. Olusola Fafiolu, Engr. Adeyemi Jacob Akolade, Arch. Peju Fatuyi, Dr. Cocin Venters from the University of Limerick, Ireland, and Dr. Birgit Penzenstadler from Chalmers Technical University, Sweden. Their presence highlighted the international significance of the challenge and the potential impact of the students’ innovations.