FUNAAB Computer Science Graduate Clinches 2025 Salako Maven AI and Robotics Prize

A Computer Science graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Michael Aladejobi, has won the 2025 Salako Maven Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Prize (SMARP), emerging as the overall best among competitors from tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

According to the Ag. Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, the highly competitive award, organised by the Salako Maven Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Lagos Chapter, recognises excellence in innovation, creativity and the practical application of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to address real-world challenges across Nigeria.

Mr. Olajide noted that Aladejobi’s winning project demonstrated the effective deployment of intelligent systems to solve institutional problems and stood out for its originality, functionality and strong potential for scalability. He added that the entry surpassed submissions from other tertiary institutions, including the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and Anchor University, which emerged as first and second runners-up, respectively.

He further stated that the award ceremony was graced by eminent government officials and industry leaders, among them the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Tubosun Alake; the President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Dr. Mahmood Aliyu; the President and Chairman of the Council of the Computer Professionals of Nigeria (CPN), Mr. Kole Jagun; and the Chairman of the NCS Lagos Chapter, Mr. Olakunle Michael.

Speaking after receiving the award, Aladejobi expressed gratitude to the Salako Maven Foundation and the Nigeria Computer Society for providing a platform that nurtures young innovators. He dedicated the honour to FUNAAB, acknowledging the University’s role in equipping him with the academic foundation and skills that enabled his success.