By Morolani Oluwafemi

The University of Ibadan’s Team Aurora has emerged as the first runner-up at the 2026 Nigerian Engineering Olympiad, winning a ₦30 million prize while securing ₦75 million worth of engineering equipment for the University’s Faculty of Engineering.

The all-female team comprised three Civil Engineering graduates Dare Marvellous, Obiora Anastacia, and Omonigho Victoria who represented the University of Ibadan at the grand finale held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

The winning team was mentored by Dr. Wole Labiran of the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ibadan.

According to the organisers, the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad attracted 375 entries from universities and polytechnics across the country.

 Following the initial screening, 30 teams advanced to the regional stage, where each received a ₦3 million prototype development grant and mentorship.

The competition was later narrowed to 12 teams that qualified for the national bootcamp and grand finale in Lagos. At the final stage, the top four innovations received cash prizes, while all 12 finalist teams were presented with a laptop and printer to support their innovation journey.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, represented by the Society’s immediate past president, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to sustaining the initiative.

“The Nigerian Society of Engineers remains fully committed to the sustainability of the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad. We will continue to strengthen, institutionalise and protect this initiative as a permanent national platform,” he said.

Members of Team Aurora described the competition as a transformative experience that challenged them to apply engineering knowledge to solving practical problems beyond the classroom.

One of the team members said the Olympiad encouraged participants to think critically about addressing real-life challenges through innovation.

“It has been an eye-opening experience that challenged me to think beyond the classroom and develop engineering solutions that address our unique challenges.”

Another teammate described the competition as an opportunity for both personal and professional growth.

“It did not just test what we knew; it showed us who we are and what we are capable of becoming. The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad compels you to grow beyond your comfort zone and think on your feet.”

At the grand finale, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, finished fourth, while the University of Jos placed third. Team Aurora of the University of Ibadan secured second place, earning a ₦30 million prize for the team and ₦75 million worth of engineering equipment for the University’s Faculty of Engineering.

Modibbo Adama University, Yola, emerged overall winner, receiving ₦50 million for the team and a Centre of Excellence building for the institution.

The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad is an innovation and entrepreneurship competition launched in 2025 by Enactus Nigeria in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), First E&P, and Renaissance Africa Energy Company, with the Nigerian Society of Engineers serving as the technical partner.