49 Unilorites shortlisted for international entrepreneurship competition
By Mustafa Abubakar
No fewer than 49 students of the University of Ilorin have been shortlisted for the semi-final stage of the TLG African Entrepreneurship Competition organised by the University of Westminster, United Kingdom, with two senior academics of the University, Prof. Usman Adebimpe Raheem and Prof. Foluke Eunice Sola-Ojo, also selected to participate in the international programme.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin penultimate Friday (July 19, 2026), the Director of the Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre of the University, Prof. Usman Adebimpe Raheem, said that the competition, initiated by the University of Westminster, is in partnership with the University of Ilorin, and the University of Ghana and it is designed to bring together students across the three institutions to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.
As part of the initiative, Prof. Raheem explained that participants have been grouped into 18 cross-cultural teams, each comprising five to six students drawn from the partner institutions.
“The teams are expected to collaborate in researching, designing and pitching viable finance-focused ventures capable of addressing real-life developmental challenges while promoting long-term sustainability and social impact,” he said.
Prof. Raheem added that the competition focuses on critical development concerns, including poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, access to healthcare, sanitation and sustainable agriculture.
The don said that to equip participants for the task ahead, the students would undergo a series of structured workshops covering team building, idea generation, business model development, marketing and branding, as well as pitching and presentation skills.
“In addition, each team will be supported by experienced mentors who will provide professional guidance and industry insights throughout the programme,” he stressed.
The Director, who teaches at the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, also said that the competition is expected to culminate in a hybrid grand finale scheduled for November 2026, during which five shortlisted teams would present their projects before a panel of judges.
