UNILORIN Backs NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026, Sets Up Joint Committee to Drive Participation

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has endorsed the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026, describing it as a strategic platform for nurturing young innovators and strengthening the university’s position in research-driven enterprise and technological advancement.

Prof. Egbewole gave the endorsement while receiving representatives of the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC), Ilorin, in his office on Monday, March 16, 2026. He commended the initiative and assured the university’s full participation and institutional support across its academic community.

He noted that the programme aligns with the university’s strategic focus on innovation, research excellence, and industry collaboration, adding that such engagements are essential for reinforcing the institution’s relevance in a rapidly evolving global knowledge economy.

The Vice Chancellor pledged to mobilise both staff and students to take advantage of the opportunity, particularly in the areas of technology-driven entrepreneurship, applied research, and international collaboration.

As part of the engagement, Prof. Egbewole approved the establishment of a joint committee between the University of Ilorin and the NextGen Innovation platform to coordinate participation and ensure effective implementation.

The committee will be chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, with membership drawn from relevant university units alongside representatives of the Technology Incubation Centre. It is expected to oversee awareness creation, application support, and institutional coordination for participants.

The Vice Chancellor stressed the need for universities to convert research output into practical solutions that address societal challenges, noting that platforms such as NextGen serve as critical enablers of innovation and impact.

He further reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening its innovation ecosystem and supporting initiatives that enhance student and staff competitiveness on global platforms.

Speaking during the visit, the Manager of the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC), Ilorin, Engr. Abdulfatai K. Yusuf, described the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 as a gateway for connecting academic institutions with national and global innovation networks under the supervision of the National Board for Technology Incubation.

He explained that the initiative targets not only technology specialists but also students and staff across disciplines with viable, problem-solving ideas. According to him, the programme offers access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and international partnerships aimed at scaling local innovations.

Engr. Yusuf added that the application process opened on February 26, 2026, and is scheduled to close on March 28, 2026, urging timely participation from interested applicants.

He confirmed that the Technology Incubation Centre will serve as the central coordination hub for all NextGen-related activities at the university, including sensitisation drives, application clinics, and technical advisory sessions to support applicants.

He expressed confidence that with structured institutional backing, the University of Ilorin would produce strong entries capable of competing at both national and international levels.

Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. J. O. Olaoye; the Deputy Registrar, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Mrs Azeezat Ibrahim; and the Deputy Director Corporate Affairs and University Protocol Officer, Mr Segun Alabi, alongside officials of the Technology Incubation Centre.