Opolo Global, in collaboration with the Computer Services and Information Technology Directorate of the University of Ilorin, has successfully organized the 2023 DCOMSIT Prize Award Final Presentation at the Faculty of Agriculture Lecture Theatre, University of Ilorin. The event, held on 25th July, 2023, attracted enthusiastic students, researchers, and faculty members from various disciplines. The Award was aimed to promote innovation, enterprise, and digital skills among participants and as well foster research commercialization in the university. The grand finale featured five innovative presentations from students among whom the top three solutions were awarded valuable prizes.
In her welcome speech, Prof. Oluwakemi Abikoye, Chairperson of the DCOMSIT Prize Award Committee, commended the Director of Computer Services and Information Technology, Prof. Dupe Ademola-Popoola, for initiating the event. She applauded Opolo Global’s support as the technical partner, which transformed the event into a resounding success beyond the original plan. Prof. Abikoye encouraged the participants to make the most of this rare opportunity to showcase their research ideas and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Representing the Chairman of Opolo Global, Dr. Segun Aina, OFR, Head of Special Projects, Mr. Deji Ajani, delivered a goodwill message and keynote address. In his address, Ajani emphasized the importance of focusing on innovative solutions that address both local and global challenges. He underscored the partnership between Opolo Global and the University which is aiming to provide platforms for innovators to build and scale solutions that benefit all stakeholders, including the University.
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He noted that the proposed innovation hub is well underway, with numerous programmes that will benefit the entire University ecosystem. He emphasized Opolo Global’s commitment to nurturing young talents and entrepreneurial spirits of students and researchers as demonstrated by the partnership with the university. He then announced that the top five innovations presented at the event would gain admission to the prestigious Opolo Incubation Programme, a valuable opportunity worth millions of Naira. Furthermore, these innovations will be considered for admission to the esteemed 1st tier Opolo-UNILORIN Startup Ecosystem, opening up doors for further growth and development.
The distinguished panel of judges, consisting of experts in different fields, had the task of assessing the five presentations from students in the Colleges/Faculties of Health Sciences, Engineering as well as Communication and Information Sciences. The presentations covered a wide range of solutions, including Market Mate, an innovative WhatsApp bot designed to ease market visitation for busy individuals, and Tripa, a bus card payment app aimed at providing cashless transportation for students.
The ideas presented also included a Surveillance Drone, offering IoT-based security solutions, and an IoT-enabled Smart Water Management System for households.
Overall, Studconnect, an AI-based digital solution facilitating connections between students and property owners for apartment rentals emerged as the winning solution while Surveillance Drone and IoT-baased Smart Water Management System emerged first and second runners up respectively. The event was concluded with the presentation of gifts and awards to the top three winners by Engr. Musiliu Adebayo Lawal and Prof. Dupe Ademola-Popoola.
The success of the 2023 DCOMSIT Prize Award presentation demonstrated the potential of the Nigerian students and researchers to create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. With Opolo Global’s support and the University of Ilorin’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and digital skills, the future looks promising for innovative initiatives within the institution and beyond.