The Acting Director of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) IT Hub (NITHub), Mr. Victor Odumuyiwa, is advocating for a disruption of Nigeria’s education system to align it with goals rather than just processes. Odumuyiwa made this call during his speech as a Guest Lecturer at the second edition of the Professor Ogundipe Innovative Challenge (POIC), an initiative of the Professor Ogundipe Innovation and Science Foundation (POISF).
Speaking on the theme of Empowering Tomorrow: Unleashing the Potentials of Gen Z for Disruptive Innovation, Odumuyiwa raised concerns about the design, curriculums, and duration of academic programs offered by Nigerian tertiary institutions. He expressed that what currently takes place on campuses is merely the provision of courses without proper learning.
According to Odumuyiwa, innovation is of utmost importance for Nigeria’s economic growth, global competitiveness, national security, and resource efficiency. Citing the characteristics of Generation Z, which refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2010, he described them as inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs who prioritize practical application over theoretical knowledge.
The Guest Lecturer questioned the rationale behind the duration of certain degree programs offered in Nigerian institutions and highlighted the flexibility at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) where the focus is on completing a set number of courses rather than adhering to a pre-determined duration. He emphasized the need to disrupt existing processes in order to stimulate innovation and creativity among this generation.
Odumuyiwa advised participants, particularly young innovators, to prioritize patience, strategic partnerships, collaboration, and the identification of opportunities as the drivers of growth. He emphasized that while ideas are important, it is the implementation of those ideas that truly changes the world.
The Professor Ogundipe Innovative Challenge was initiated by Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and is organized by the Professor Ogundipe Innovation and Science Foundation. Professor Ogundipe expressed his surprise at the rapid growth of the initiative, stating that it was the brainchild of students and select staff from the Faculty of Science.
During the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, commended the participants for their involvement in the challenge and urged them to take charge of their futures by embracing innovation and creativity. She emphasized the scarcity of job opportunities in the country and stressed the need for job creation through the establishment of new enterprises and businesses.
The winners of the competition were Team Neptune from UNILAG, whose bioengineering project earned them a cash prize of N1 million and free training from Opolo Global Innovation. Team Horizon from Lagos State University (LASU), with their idea on technology for farmers, secured the second position and received a cash prize of N750,000 along with free training from Opolo Global Innovation Hub.
Team Ilucens from UNILAG and Tfree from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) came in third and fourth place, respectively, with their projects on food processing and health technology. They were awarded cash prizes of N500,000 and N100,000, respectively, as well as free training from Opolo Global Innovation Hub.
The Professor Ogundipe Innovative Challenge aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students, with a focus on creating job opportunities and solutions to societal problems. The event celebrated the achievements of young minds and encouraged them to think beyond traditional boundaries to make Nigeria a leader in innovation.
By recognizing the potential of Nigeria’s youth and promoting disruptive thinking, the challenge strives to shape a future where innovation and entrepreneurship drive the nation’s progress.
