Egbewole charges Engineering students on national development
By Isaac Lewu and Bashir Dawodu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has urged Engineering students of the University to embrace innovation and technology-driven solutions as instruments for national development, describing Engineering as the backbone of societal progress.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, stated this last Monday (May 11, 2026) at the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association (NUESA) programme and the 2026 Engineering Project Exhibition (EPEX) held at the University Auditorium.
Speaking on the theme, “Engineering for Impact: Prototyping Solutions for the Future,” the Vice Chancellor said that Engineering remains vital to advancements in healthcare, agriculture, security, internet technology and sustainable development.
He noted that the economic strength and technological advancement of developed nations have consistently been driven by engineering innovations.
He charged students to see themselves as problem-solvers capable of lifting Nigeria through creativity, research and practical innovations, adding that the country requires young engineers who can provide sustainable solutions to societal challenges.
Prof. Egbewole also commended the Faculty for its contributions to research, innovation and commercialisation, noting that several of the University’s patents and technological products emerged from engineering research.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Joshua Olanrewaju Olaoye, described EPEX as a growing platform for showcasing creativity, technical competence and intellectual capacity among Engineering students across Nigeria.
According to him, the exhibition, which began in 2014, was established to ensure that students’ projects transcend classroom assessments and become practical innovations capable of transforming the society.
He disclosed that one of the projects exhibited in previous editions attracted sponsorship worth about N50 million, leading to its transformation into a marketable product.
Prof. Olaoye explained that students from institutions across the country, including Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University of Technology, Bauchi, participated in this year’s edition, reflecting the increasing relevance of the exhibition within the engineering community.
The Dean urged participants to develop practical and sustainable solutions in critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transportation, energy, security and environmental sustainability.
He also encouraged collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships, stressing that many globally recognised innovations originated from University-based projects and exhibitions.
Prof. Olaoye further described EPEX as a platform for entrepreneurship, industrial partnerships, patents and startup development, adding that Nigeria needs engineers capable of creating industries and generating employment opportunities through innovation.
Also speaking, the President of NUESA, University of Ilorin Chapter, Mr Akinjobi Ridwan Olamilekan, said the exhibition was designed to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions for societal development.
He noted that the programme was not only aimed at showcasing inventions, but also at promoting teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving among students.
Mr Akinjobi commended participants, judges, sponsors and partners for their contributions to the success of the event and urged guests to actively engage with the projects on display through networking and constructive interactions.
Participating teams at the exhibition included Team Nhed Rove from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University; Smart Agric Drone and EcoDry from the Federal University of Technology, Minna; and AutoMed and SAOT Team from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
Teams representing the University of Ilorin included Vision Guard AI, Noosi 2.0, Flood Guard, Univent, Pavelect, Eye-Q, Smart Drop, Aerasentra, Alerion, and Peer To Learn.
Secondary school participants were drawn from Minaret Comprehensive High School, Excellent International College, and Reomichs International School, all in Ilorin.
At the end of the competition, Team Noosi 2.0 from the University of Ilorin emerged overall winner with 370 points, receiving a cash prize of ₦600,000.Team Vision Guard AI, also from the University of Ilorin, finished as first runner-up with 369 points and received ₦450,000, while AutoMed Team from Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH),secured second runner-up position with 362 points and was awarded ₦300,000.
Dignitaries at the event included the Heads of Departments, Staff Adviser, Prof. H.A. Ajimotokan; Dr A.O. Otuoze; Dr H.K. Ibrahim; the association’s Patron, Dr S. A. Yahyah; and the Sub-Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Dr M. M. Odewole, among others.
