OAU Students Shine at 2024 Mega Designathon
Medical students from Obafemi Awolowo University excelled at the 2024 Mega Designathon, held at the National Institute of Medical Research in Lagos from April 2-6.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a remarkable display of innovation and excellence, medical students from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) emerged as one of the winners at the 2024 Mega Designathon. The event was held at the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Yaba, Lagos, from April 2-6, 2024. Organized in collaboration with esteemed institutions such as Washington State University, the University of North Carolina, and the National Cancer Institute, the Designathon aimed to harness the creative potential of youth in developing innovative solutions for health promotion.
The four-day event focused on increasing vaccination uptake, promoting early screening for cervical cancer, and preventing Hepatitis B, HIV, and hypertension. Over 140 Nigerian youths, aged 19 to 24, participated in the competition, selected from an initial pool of over 1000 applicants. The competition was intense, with teams pitching their ideas in various categories.
OAU teams emerged as second runners-up in two of the four categories they contested. Team Shield, consisting of Akinmoladun Precious, Eshemokhai Okhesomi, Ibironke Bright, Akanni Shukrah, and Elufioye Victoria, competed in the 4Communities Category. They pitched their idea on increasing Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination coverage among girls in Nigeria. Team Hexa, comprising Olowoyeye Aishat, Akindele Boluwatife, Obaniyi Oluwatotele, and Ikotun Taofikat, competed in the 4Mothers and Babies Category, presenting on promoting birth-dose Hepatitis B vaccination in newborns in Nigeria.
The Designathon began with each team submitting their innovative ideas. The top 10 teams, comprising 140 participants, were then selected for the next phase. This was followed by a three-day workshop, including training on human-centered design thinking approaches, panel sessions, and mentorship sessions to assess the feasibility and innovation of ideas. On the final day, the teams pitched their solutions to a panel of judges from diverse backgrounds.
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The participation of the OAU teams was supported by the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Professor O.A. Sowande, and the Heads of their respective departments: Professor O.N. Makinde, Professor Obianjuwa, Professor Boladale Mapayi, Professor Ibitoye, and Dr. Olanrewaju.
This achievement highlights the exceptional talent and innovative spirit of OAU students, reinforcing the university's commitment to addressing critical health challenges through education and research.
