[UNILORIN hosts TechFrontiers summit 2023

The University of Ilorin, in partnership with industry experts and academic leaders, successfully hosted TechFrontiers 2023, organized by the Student Union Government (SUG).

The event, which took place from April 13th to 14th, brought together innovators, scholars, and digital leaders to discuss the developments in the Nigerian digital technology landscape and how youths can be well-positioned to take advantage of several opportunities available in the sector.

The event, themed ‘Navigating the Digital Horizon’, addressed how digital technology is lifting many Nigerian youths out of poverty and how institutions can support professional development in digital technology. The event was opened by a welcome remark by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole.

Keynote speaker, Mr Ezekiel Adebiyi, President of the Nigerian Society of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, discussed the rapidly growing area of tech within the broader scientific community.

Mr. T. Anthony, MD/CEO of Ephphatha enterprises, discussed how businesses can scale by taking advantage of the innovations in digital technology to markets previously hard to reach.

He remarked on the potential for high-paying careers in these fields and pledged support for future editions of the Tech Week.

Mr. Azeez Adewale Adedokun, a cybersecurity and software expert at Easymaster Technologies, discussed how youths can create highly sought-after solutions for top industries in Nigeria and beyond.

He also discussed the career prospects of youth and how many great companies have been founded through the brilliant ideas of students. He urged the students to be steadfast and unwavering in their quest for a technological breakthrough. He made a donation of 5 million naira towards the proposed tech hub for student development.

TechFrontiers 2023 also celebrated student innovation, with selected teams showcasing technology solutions for financial apps, smart meter designs, a learning software, and others.

Top-performing teams received mentorship offers
from tech partners and grants to advance their prototypes. The event also celebrated distinguished guests and student innovators, with Comrade Ologundudu Joseph presenting awards to key speakers and panelists. A major highlight was the launch of the Unilorin Tech Hub for student technological advancement.

In his closing remarks, SUG President Comrade Ologundudu Joseph commended all panelists and participants for contributing to the success of the event:

“TechFrontiers is more than a summit; it is a launchpad for young innovators, a platform where we can uplift society using tech as an accelerator. We thank all our panelists for taking their valuable time to inspire the next generation of African technological leaders.”

Following the success of TechFrontiers 2023, plans are in motion to establish the summit as an annual fixture, expanding its reach and impact in future editions.