Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) witnessed a transformative event with the inaugural OAU Tech Week, held from June 26th to 27th, 2023. The groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Students’ Union President Comrade Olayiwola Folahan, “Reform,” established a new benchmark for technological empowerment and innovation on campus.

The two-day event aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing students with cutting-edge knowledge, essential skills, and invaluable mentorship. It served as a vibrant hub for students, industry leaders, and tech enthusiasts to collaborate and inspire the next generation of global tech innovators.

The Tech Week kicked off with an exhibition showcasing the ingenuity of seven student teams who presented innovative technological solutions to real-world problems. Following a rigorous evaluation, the top five teams received tech mentorship and financial support to further develop their pioneering ideas.

The conference continued on June 27th at the New Moot and Mock Court, themed “Tech Impact: Harnessing The Power Of Technology For Positive Change.” Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Chairman of Mutual Benefit Assurance PLC and the Tech Week Conference Chairman, delivered an inspiring keynote speech, commending Comrade Folahan for creating a platform that fosters creativity and innovation. He urged students to leverage technology to address societal challenges.

Mr. Tim Akano, MD/CEO of New Horizons and an OAU alumnus, emphasized the importance of mastering in-demand tech skills, including Cybersecurity, Data Science, AI, Big Data, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and Web 3.0/Social Media Marketing. He highlighted the potential for high-paying careers in these fields and pledged support for future editions of the Tech Week.

The panel discussion, featuring industry leaders, provided valuable insights and real-world experiences. Mr. Oladoyin Akinsuli, a Cybersecurity and AI expert, spoke on the convergence of these fields, emphasizing the need to protect emerging technologies from sophisticated cyber threats. He also served as a *judge for student tech projects, offering industry perspectives on their innovations. During an interactive Q&A, he addressed career opportunities, AI ethics, and strategies for building resilient cybersecurity frameworks, inspiring students to pursue impactful careers in these fields.

Mr. Femi Iromini, CEO of Moni, shared his journey in leveraging technology for financial solutions, while Mr. Kayode Akomolafe, MD/CEO of Chams Mobile Ltd, discussed the impact of mobile technology. Mr. Solomon Akporkpokpor, CEO of Classic System Infotech Ltd, spoke on continuous innovation, and Mr. Adegoke Adeboye, Senior Manager at Paradigm Initiative, emphasized strategic problem-solving and networking.

The event also celebrated distinguished guests and student innovators, with Comrade Folahan presenting awards to key speakers and panelists. A major highlight was the launch of “Techfusion: The Pulse Of OAU’s Tech Innovators,” a magazine showcasing groundbreaking tech ideas from OAU students, launched by Dr. Ogunbiyi and Mr. Akano.

The success of the inaugural OAU Tech Week underscores the potential of Nigerian students to lead in global technological innovation. The event fostered a culture of creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, positioning OAU as a hub for technological advancement. Plans are underway to incorporate the Tech Week into the Students’ Union’s annual activities, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire future generations of tech leaders.