Campus News

Egbewole tasks student innovators on greater heights

By Bashir Dawodu

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged young innovators within the University community to continue striving for excellence by harnessing their technological skills in solving real-world problems.

Prof. Egbewole made the remarks recently while speaking at the late Prof. O. O. Akinkugbe 3rd annual award for the Best Student Innovation Exhibition held at the University Multipurpose Hall.

The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, encouraged the participants not to underestimate their potentials.

“Don’t limit yourselves, don’t underrate yourselves, you can soar far beyond your imagination,” Prof. Egbewole said.

The Vice Chancellor urged the young talents to be solution-driven and to always carry the name of the University of Ilorin with pride wherever they go.

 He congratulated all the finalists and emphasised the institution’s unwavering support for the youth driven innovation.

Prof. Egbewole paid glowing tributes to the late Prof. O. O. Akinkugbe, the University former Vice Chancellor, in whose honour the event is held annually, as he recalled his sterling contributions towards national development as a medical practitioner and community leader.

He also commended the family of the late doyen of medical practice for sustaining the annual lecture.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prof. Sam Ugbomoiko, commended the vision behind the initiative, describing it as a strategic effort to identify and nurture young talents within the University.

 He emphasised that the platform is aimed at preventing wasted potential by offering students the opportunity to showcase and refine their innovative abilities.

“The goal is to catch them young and encourage them to dream bigger,” Prof. Ugbomoiko said, while expressing gratitude to the University management for its continued support.

In her goodwill message, Prof. Nafisat Afolake Adedokun-Shittu encouraged the students to think globally and take their innovations beyond the shores of the University.

“Don’t limit yourselves. There is a world of opportunity out there waiting for you,” she said, adding that “innovators are shaping the future. You are the future.”

At the end of the exhibition, Afrovax team clinched the first place with a cash prize of ₦100,000. He was closely followed by Abdullahi Yusuf Temidayo, who came 2nd and won a cash prize of ₦75,000, while the 3rd position went to Babalola Oluwafemi Timothy, who went home with a cash prize of ₦50,000.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology, and Innovation), Prof. Mukhtar Etudaiye; and the Registrar, Mr Monsur Adeleke Alfanla, among others.