Ajayi Crowther University Team Finishes Third at Maiden CRMI National Risk Management Competition

Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has secured third place at the maiden University Risk Management Pitching Competition organised by the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI).

The competition took place in Lagos from October 14 to 16, 2026, as part of the Institute’s 25th Anniversary International Conference, bringing together student teams from universities across Nigeria.

The CRMI University Risk Challenge 2026 was held under the theme “Building a Resilient Nigeria through Strategic Risk Management.” Participants were required to identify risks associated with real national challenges, support their findings with credible evidence, develop practical solutions and defend their proposals before a panel of risk management professionals, regulators and academics.

Representing ACU as the Ajayi Crowther University Risk Advisory Team, the five students presented a proposal titled “Keeping the Lights On: A Strategic Risk Management Framework for Nigeria’s Energy and Power Sector.”

Drawing on knowledge from economics, accounting, political science and law, the team developed an analysis that addressed the country’s energy challenges from technical, financial, political and legal perspectives.

Their proposal aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services for all by 2030.

The team’s mentor, Professor Joseph Ibikunle, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, commended the students for their commitment and professionalism throughout the competition.

He noted that the students approached a challenge affecting Nigerian households and businesses with the seriousness required of professionals, adding that their achievement demonstrated what students could accomplish with appropriate guidance and opportunities.

Professor Ibikunle also disclosed that the team dedicated its award to the Vice-Chancellor, whose vision continues to inspire members of the University community to strive for excellence.

Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole, congratulated the students on their diligence, discipline and effective representation of the University at the national competition.

She also commended Professor Ibikunle for his leadership, dedication and investment of time and expertise in preparing the team. Professor Oduwole encouraged the students to sustain their performance, aim for greater achievements in future competitions and assured them of the University's management support.

The ACU team comprised Olalekan Oluwatosin of the Department of Economics; Ifeoluwa Faturoti of the Department of Accounting; Tola Olalekan of the Department of Political Science; and Benita Adegbeyeni and Boluwatife Bamisaye of the Faculty of Law.

The team received a cash prize of ₦500,000 and a golden award plaque for finishing as second runner-up in the competition's inaugural edition.

The achievement adds to the University's record of academic accomplishments and highlights its emphasis on multidisciplinary learning, professional development and preparing students to contribute to national development.