Lagos State Government Commits to Supporting UNILAG Innovation Challenge
The Lagos State government has pledged its full support for the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Innovation Challenge, a competition that aims to foster creativity and innovation among students. Named after the former vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the challenge encourages students from both public and private universities across Nigeria to develop business ideas that address the country’s pressing problems.
At the grand finale of the second edition of the Innovation Challenge, Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu applauded UNILAG and Professor Ogundipe for their initiative, stating that it aligns with the state government’s focus on education and technology. He emphasized the importance of problem-solving innovations and research in tackling the challenges facing Nigeria and expressed the government’s commitment to supporting the vision.
The competition, which took place at the university’s main auditorium, garnered 947 applications from 199 teams across several Nigerian universities. Only ten teams made it to the finals, with just five reaching the last stage. Team Neptune from UNILAG emerged as the winner with their bioengineering project, followed by Team Horizon from Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo and Team Ilucens, also from UNILAG, in second and third place, respectively. The fourth position went to Tfree Team from the University of Nigeria (UNN).
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, underlined the need for universities to produce graduates who can not only create jobs but also be employers themselves. She emphasized UNILAG’s dedication to research, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills acquisition across diverse disciplines, with the aim of equipping students to think outside the box and contribute to the nation’s development.
Guest lecturer Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa delivered a lecture on empowering Nigeria’s youth for disruptive innovation, highlighting their resilience and problem-solving abilities. He emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for local investors to thrive and encouraged Nigerian youths to tap into the vast opportunities within the country. Dr. Odumuyiwa also stressed the significance of technology and the need for continuous learning to remain relevant in an evolving world.
The Innovation Challenge, originally introduced five years ago, has become a platform for nurturing future leaders in various fields. The competition not only inspires creativity and innovation but also fosters collaboration among youths. The support from the Lagos State government and other stakeholders has been instrumental in driving the initiative forward.
As the Innovation Challenge continues to evolve and attract more participants, its impact on Nigerian society is expected to grow. By encouraging young minds to devise practical solutions to real-world problems, the competition is helping to shape the entrepreneurial landscape of the nation. With the collective efforts of academia, industry leaders, and government support, the possibilities for innovation and growth are endless.
In conclusion, the Lagos State government’s commitment to supporting the UNILAG Innovation Challenge demonstrates its recognition of the importance of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Nigerian students. The competition serves as a platform for nurturing the next generation of problem solvers and future leaders. With ongoing support, the Innovation Challenge will continue to empower and inspire young minds to create meaningful solutions for Nigeria’s challenges.
