By: Yusuf Rahmon
The University of Ibadan Research and Development (UIRESDEV), a sub-body of the Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnership of the University of Ibadan held the grand finale of its Gen Z Hack 2023 as part of the celebration of the UI @75 at the Trenchard Hall to commemorate the innovativeness and creativity of the students of the institution.
The hackathon titled “From Ideas to Impact: Hack for Solutions that matter” wings kicked off at 4:30 pm. It involved students across all levels and divergent departments of the school, from the undergraduate to the postgraduate.
The event was hosted by Prof. O.C Adesina while Prof. Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose was the Chief Host of the day.
The judges of the event were Prof.Oyedunmi Awolowo, Mrs. Biodun Ajao, Dr. Olushola Ayoola, and other experienced personnel across different fields of study.
Also in attendance were members of the University of Ibadan Student Union led by the President, Mr. Samson Tobiloba.
The opening address was given by the Chief Host, Prof. Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, where she stated that, “the Gen Z have the ability to think outside the box and identify that technology is not just a tool but a catalyst to change and tackle complex problems, which is why the generation has continued to strive in difficult situations.”
She concluded that “The Grand Finale of this year’s hackathon is not just a showcase of but a testament to the brilliance, resilience, and visionary qualities of the Gen Z”.
A total of 10 teams – Team Sams, Team Dynamo, Team Electpoll, Team Optimized Mobility, Team Eatstead, Team VSSE, Team Unipays, Team Spak, Team Lumina, and Team UI Agro Policy made it to the finals presenting technological solutions to problems in healthcare, class management, electoral process, transportation, and other aspects where lecturers and students face issues on campus.
Finally, Team Dynamo, Team Sams, and Team Electpoll went home with the first, second, and third prizes worth #250,000, #150,000, and #100,000 respectively.
Fatai Azeez, an attendee and 200-level student of Petroleum Engineering also expressed his satisfaction with the presentation saying “It has been a wonderful event seeing people with different solutions to different problems”.
There were also giveaway sessions and other presentations such as poetry and judges’ awards. The event continued until 9 p.m. with the presentation of awards.
