What began as a gathering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) unfolded into a showcase of creativity, engineering ingenuity, and problem-solving on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, as Mechanical Engineering final-year students presented a humanoid robot, a water purification system, a solar-powered mobile refrigerator, and other innovative projects at the department’s final-year project exhibition. The event brought together industry stakeholders, educators, and secondary school students to explore the students’ creations and their potential to address real-world problems.
The event began with the rendition of the National Anthem, followed by the recognition of members of the high table, some of whom served on the panel. They included Prof. Grace Ogunlusi, Director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office, OAU; Mr Onifade Bankole, representing the Dean of Student Affairs; Chidinma Enemanna, Executive Communications Manager at Moniepoint Group; and Prof. Kemi Ayodele of the Department of Civil Engineering, among others.
Ten secondary schools were invited to the exhibition. They included Crest Hive International School, Mistu Gee Model College, Al-Minhaal Global Academy, Gee-Booster Group of Schools, Future Model of Knowledge School, Agbonran School of Science, Viceroys Model College, Reman Foundation College, Obafemi Awolowo University International School, and Attawaqu Model College.
In her remarks, Prof. Ogunlusi formally welcomed the visiting secondary school students and encouraged them to draw inspiration from the exhibition and develop an interest in problem-solving. She expressed her hope that the event would inspire them to “sit back, research and think about how to solve problems.”
The Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Adam Muritala, also welcomed the students in his opening address. He explained that the exhibition aimed to create ‘a strong bridge between academia and industry.’ He encouraged the visiting students to draw inspiration from the projects and aspire to build enterprises that could create jobs for others.
Addressing industry stakeholders, he added, ‘Let us invest in their ideas while they are still in the university environment.’
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Following the Head of Department’s address, Prof. Ogunlusi declared the exhibition open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Simeon Bamire. Attendees subsequently moved to the exhibition area to explore the students’ innovations.
A Showcase of Innovation
The exhibition featured inventions from twelve groups, with projects ranging from a biomimetic dialysis high-flux membrane mechanism to a miniature five-tonne crane, a humanoid robot, and a solar-powered mobile refrigerator, among others.
During the exhibition, panellists interacted with the participants to gain a better understanding of the purpose, practical applications, and costs of their projects.
Following the exhibition, representatives of the invited institutions delivered their remarks. Mr Onifade Bankole, representing the Dean of Student Affairs, expressed appreciation to the Department for organising the programme and wished the graduating students success in their future endeavours.
Representatives of the invited secondary schools also shared their remarks. Across the board, the younger students were encouraged to regard the exhibition as a source of inspiration and motivation for their own future innovations.
Winners and Judging Criteria
The winners were subsequently announced. Chidinma Enemanna, representing Moniepoint Group, outlined the criteria used to assess the projects. These included originality, engineering design, innovation, practicality, and potential contribution to national development.
She also highlighted areas in which participants could improve, including cost analysis, their ability to articulate practical use cases, reducing excessive dependence on technology, and demonstrating how their inventions addressed existing needs.
Prof. Kemi Ayodele announced the top three projects, beginning with the second runner-up. The teams received ₦200,000, ₦300,000, and ₦500,000, respectively.
The winners were:
Second Runner-up – Group 6: Design of a gravity-driven water purification system from oil-spill-contaminated water. Presented by Bamigboye Treasure and Mutiu Adewale, the project was a gravity-fed water purification system designed to address water pollution in the Niger Delta without requiring electricity.
First Runner-up – Group 1: A Biomimetic Dialysis High-Flux Membrane Mechanism. Presented by Obajowo Jessica, Durojaiye Ayokunle, among others, the project aimed to reduce the cost of conventional dialysis and make the treatment more affordable for people in rural communities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Winner – Group 5: Native 12V DC Solar Mobile Refrigerator (EcoRide). The project featured a portable, solar-powered refrigeration system designed to address the challenges of transporting perishable goods and agricultural produce to rural areas where access to affordable refrigeration remains limited.
Closing Remarks
The programme ended with closing remarks from a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who encouraged the participants to leverage available resources to make a positive impact. The visiting secondary school students were also urged to pursue innovation and develop solutions to problems within their communities.
As part of the event, all participants received copies of a book from the Moniepoint Team, while each invited secondary school received five copies.
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