UI Students Win N30 Million Grant, Finish Second at Nigerian Engineering Olympiad

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has commended five students of the Faculty of Technology for their outstanding performance at the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), where they secured second place at the national competition.

Professor Adebowale gave the commendation while receiving the students, who represented the University of Ibadan at the Olympiad and emerged as first runners-up.

He noted that the University was founded on a legacy of excellence, integrity, and service, adding that the students' achievement reflects the institution's enduring values.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to regard the accomplishment as the beginning of greater successes and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in their academic and professional pursuits.

Congratulating the team on behalf of the University, Professor Adebowale described the students as the pride of the institution and proof that the University of Ibadan remains a breeding ground for excellence.

He also commended Dr. J. O. Labiran of the Department of Civil Engineering for coaching the team, applauding his mentorship and dedication.

Speaking during the visit, the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Professor Gbenga Matthew Ayininuola, explained that the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad is a national competition designed to promote engineering innovation and accelerate the commercialisation of locally developed technologies.

He disclosed that the University's five-member team, drawn from three departments within the Faculty of Technology, secured second place at the grand finale of the competition.

The team comprised:

• Victoria Omonigbo – Department of Civil Engineering
• David Nssien – Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Samuel Tijesunimi Moses – Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Anastecia Obiora – Department of Civil Engineering
• Marvelous Dare – Department of Civil Engineering

As part of their achievement, the team won a ₦30 million start-up grant, while the Faculty of Technology received an institutional award comprising equipment valued at ₦75 million.

The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad is regarded as one of Nigeria's leading engineering competitions, providing a platform for students to showcase innovative solutions with commercial and industrial potential.