Oye-Ekiti, May 21, 2025
The Innovation Bootcamp 2025, a key highlight of the ongoing Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), recorded an impressive turnout as students gathered to explore creative problem-solving and strategic thinking.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Adebimpe Esan, the Acting Director of Entrepreneurship, who commended the participants for their enthusiasm and emphasized the University’s commitment to equipping students with entrepreneurial and innovative skills for national development.
Representing the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation, and Linkages – SPRIL), Prof. J.O. Ogunwole, the Director of Strategic Partnerships, Linkages and Collaborations, Prof. Sunday Adedini, addressed the students on the importance of the Bootcamp. He noted that innovation is the engine of progress and challenged students to use the platform to generate solutions that address local and global challenges.
The Bootcamp was facilitated by Prof. O.S. Ayanda, Director of Innovation and Digital Technology, who spoke on the theme: “From Vision to Impact: Mapping the Innovation Journey.” His session focused on critical aspects of innovation, including problem identification and delivering elegant solutions. He outlined six key elements of innovation — ideas, intelligence, solutions, inspiration, creativity, and vision — urging participants to leverage these in driving impact.
Students were divided into teams of five, with each member assigned a leadership role: CEO, DCEO, CTO, CSO, and CRO. Teams worked on identifying problems within FUOYE, Ekiti State, Nigeria, and globally, using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework. Through practical sessions on mind mapping, SCAMPER, and design thinking brainstorming, students developed solution-driven concepts. They were also trained on using digital tools to create business names, branding elements, and value proposition statements.
In a knowledge-enriching session, Dr. Ayodeji-Ojo of the Young Minds International Academy engaged participants in a General Knowledge Test (GKT), designed to sharpen their awareness and cognitive abilities.
The Bootcamp concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. O.O. Oketayo, the Deputy Director of Research, who appreciated the management, facilitators, organizers, and students for their active participation and dedication to driving innovation.
The event marked another milestone in FUOYE’s mission to cultivate a generation of creative thinkers and changemakers.
