FUNAAB, LAUTECH, OAU students emerge winners at national AI literacy contest

Students from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) have emerged winners at the National Tertiary Institution Essay Competition on AI Literacy and Responsible Technology Use, clinching a combined prize of N900,000.

The competition, organised by Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), culminated in a grand finale held on Thursday in Ilorin, Kwara State.

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The event drew hundreds of students, academics, policymakers, and technology advocates, highlighting growing national interest in artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and ethical technology use.

Themed ‘Artificial Intelligence for Public Good: Balancing Innovation, Human Welfare, and Responsible Governance,’ the competition focused on encouraging critical thinking among Nigerian youths about the societal implications of emerging technologies.

Speaking at the event, BBYDI Executive Director, Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, said the initiative aimed to deepen youth engagement in conversations that will shape Nigeria’s digital future.

“The response we received reflects the curiosity, intellectual engagement, and readiness of young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in conversations that will shape the country’s digital future,” Ms Jimoh-Sanni said.

She disclosed that the competition attracted 1,423 essay submissions from students across 549 tertiary institutions in all 37 states of the federation. After an initial review, the entries were reduced to 100 and later to 12 finalists, comprising four female and eight male students, who advanced to the final stage.

Ms Jimoh-Sanni noted that while many submissions demonstrated originality, concerns also emerged about students’ overreliance on AI tools.

“Technology should support human thinking, not replace it,” she said.
The final stage featured an oratory session where participants defended their ideas before a panel of judges drawn from academia, media, law, and the technology sector.

Announcing the winners, judge Olasupo Abideen commended the finalists for their depth of insight and ethical awareness.

“The quality of ideas presented by these young Nigerians shows that the future of responsible technology use in the country is promising. What we assessed was not merely eloquence or technical knowledge, but originality of thought, ethical reasoning, and the ability to engage complex issues thoughtfully,” he said.

At the end of the competition, Adeniji Yusuf Joseph of FUNAAB emerged the winner, receiving N400,000.

“Artificial intelligence should be seen as a tool to improve human capacity, not replace human creativity or critical thinking. I am honoured to be recognised on a platform that encourages young people to think deeply about these issues,” he said.

Enoch Aremu of LAUTECH secured the second prize of ₦300,000.
“We must ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of ethics, inclusion, and human welfare. Competitions like this help students understand that responsible governance must remain central to technological advancement,” he said.

Deniran El-Caleb Obanijesu of OAU won the third prize of N200,000.
“Young people are not just users of technology; we must also contribute to shaping how these technologies affect society. That is why initiatives promoting AI literacy are very important,” he said.

The event also featured poetry and drama presentations, networking sessions, and recognition awards for finalists.

BBYDI organised the competition under its AI Literacy for Everyday People in Nigeria Project with support from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.