UNILAG Hosts Energy Innovation Challenge to Kick Off 4th International Week
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) launched its 4th International Week with the Energy Innovation Challenge on October 21, 2024, featuring thirteen teams from six universities across Nigeria.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The 4th University of Lagos (UNILAG) International Week began on a high note with the Energy Innovation Challenge, held at the UNILAG Design Studio on Monday, October 21, 2024. Thirteen teams from six universities across Nigeria showcased groundbreaking ideas aimed at tackling the country’s energy crisis.
The competition served as the curtain raiser for the International Week, which will run from Monday, October 21 to Friday, October 25, 2024, at UNILAG. Participants presented diverse solutions, from energy-harvesting solar windows to Internet-of-Things (IoT)-based cattle intrusion detection systems, addressing different facets of Nigeria's energy challenges. The teams pitched their innovative projects to a panel of judges, many of whom are UNILAG alumni renowned for their contributions to the energy sector.
Prof. Muhammed Amuda, Director of the Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Centre for Information Technology and Systems (ABS-CITS), encouraged the participants to continue striving for excellence. He highlighted the importance of innovation in overcoming national challenges and urged the young innovators to seize local opportunities despite the prevalent “Japa” syndrome.
The Director of International Relations, Partnerships & Prospects (IRPP), UNILAG, Prof. Ismail Ibrahim, who represented the event's sponsor, AFRETEC, commended the participants for their resilience. He also acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor's pivotal role in initiating the innovation challenge, leveraging the support from AFRETEC to fund the program.
In a surprise appearance, Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, addressed the audience, recounting UNILAG's strategic shift towards prioritizing innovation and entrepreneurship since 2017. She noted that this focus has guided the university’s partnerships and funding initiatives, with the ultimate goal of equipping every UNILAG graduate with an entrepreneurial mindset.
“Our goal is to ensure that every UNILAG graduate has an entrepreneurial mindset; and when they go ahead to innovate solutions and create their own business on top that, we are most delighted. It is in continuation of that focus that you are here today, demonstrating creativity, determination, and teamwork,” Professor Ogunsola said. “As you have embarked on a journey to creating solutions and making an impact, we urge you to keep looking forward. Don’t relent because we are right behind you.”
The Energy Innovation Challenge was a collaborative effort between UNILAG's Innovation Technology and Management Office (ITMO) and the Fabrication Laboratory (FABLAB). The top three winning teams will be announced and awarded on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
