Innovators Tackle Nigeria’s Energy Crisis at UNILAG Energy Innovation Challenge

Thirteen teams from six universities across Nigeria showcased cutting-edge solutions to the country’s energy crisis during the Energy Innovation Challenge, held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Design Studio on Monday, October 21, 2024. This event served as a curtain-raiser for the 4th UNILAG International Week, running from October 21 to October 25, 2024.

Teams presented innovative ideas ranging from energy-harvesting solar windows to IoT-powered cattle intrusion detection systems, all aimed at addressing the multidimensional energy challenges facing Nigeria. Their pitches were evaluated by an international panel of judges, largely composed of UNILAG alumni who have made significant contributions to Nigeria's energy sector.

The Director of the Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Centre for Information Technology and Systems (ABS-CITS), Professor Muhammed Amuda, encouraged participants to seize the moment, urging them to use creativity to solve local problems. He highlighted the importance of this generation in changing Nigeria’s energy narrative, even acknowledging the ongoing Japa (migration) syndrome but encouraging the youth to find opportunities within Nigeria.

Professor Ismail Ibrahim, Director of International Relations, Partnerships & Prospects (IRPP), representing AFRETEC, the event’s sponsor, lauded the participants for their dedication. He also credited UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, for inspiring the challenge, emphasizing the university's long-standing commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Professor Ogunsola made a surprise appearance, much to the delight of participants, where she emphasized UNILAG's strategic shift since 2017 towards entrepreneurship and innovation. She urged the participants to remain focused on developing impactful solutions, highlighting the university’s ongoing support for innovative minds.

The Energy Innovation Challenge, a collaboration between UNILAG's Innovation Technology and Management Office (ITMO) and the Fabrication Laboratory (FABLAB), concluded with the announcement that the top three winners will be unveiled on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

This challenge sets the stage for a week-long celebration of ideas, marking an important milestone in the university's push towards innovation-driven development.  https://unilag.edu.ng/?p=43404