VC Commends Triumphant ACU Team from Maiden CRMI Varsity Risk Management Competition

Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has demonstrated excellence as a team of five students emerged Second Runner-Up at the maiden University Risk Management Pitching Competition organised by the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI).

The competition, a highlight of the Institute's 25th Anniversary International Conference, was held in Lagos from October 14 to 16, 2026.

The CRMI University Risk Challenge 2026, themed "Building a Resilient Nigeria through Strategic Risk Management," brought together student teams from universities across Nigeria. Each team was required to address a real national problem using professional risk management tools: diagnosing risks, supporting claims with credible evidence, designing practical treatments, and defending their proposals before a panel of seasoned risk professionals, regulators and academics.

Presenting as the Ajayi Crowther University Risk Advisory Team, the students tackled one of the nation's most pressing challenges with a framework titled "Keeping the Lights On: A Strategic Risk Management Framework for Nigeria's Energy and Power Sector."

By combining insights from economics, accounting, political science and law, the students produced an analysis that was technically sound, financially realistic, politically aware and legally grounded.

The team's proposal aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), which calls on nations to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services by 2030.

The team's mentor, Prof. Joseph Ibikunle, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, noted that the students worked with uncommon commitment.

"They took a problem that affects every Nigerian home and business and approached it with the seriousness of professionals. Their success is proof that when our students are given the right guidance and opportunity, they can stand with the very best in the country," he said.

He added that the team wishes to dedicate the award to the Vice-Chancellor, whose vision continues to inspire all to aim higher.

Reacting to the feat, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, commended the students for their diligence, discipline and excellent representation of the university on a national platform.

She also appreciated Prof. Ibikunle for his dedicated leadership and for the time and expertise invested in preparing the team.

Prof. Oduwole charged the students to keep the flag flying and to aim higher next time, promising all necessary support from the management.

The ACU team comprised students from four disciplines: Olalekan Oluwatosin (Department of Economics), Ifeoluwa Faturoti (Department of Accounting), Tola Olalekan (Department of Political Science), Benita Adegbeyeni (Law) and Boluwatife Bamisaye (Law).

Emerging Second Runner-Up with a cash prize of Five Hundred Thousand Naira and a golden award plaque at the very first edition of the national challenge adds a proud chapter to the university's growing record of achievements.