The Federal University Oye-Ekiti Innovation Hub has hosted the physical onboarding session for participants selected into the iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Programme, reinforcing the institution’s growing reputation as a centre for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The onboarding programme, held at the FUOYE Innovation Hub, brought together emerging startup founders from diverse sectors including healthcare, financial technology, and digital services, all seeking to transform innovative ideas into scalable and impactful enterprises.
The event marked another strategic effort by the university to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical innovation by providing young entrepreneurs with opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and enterprise development.
Among the startup founders selected for the programme were Akinsika Ogooluwa Isaac, founder of MediClaim in the fintech sector; Adeosun Oluwakemi Omolola of SachaPay Identity, also operating within the fintech space; Akinbiyi Adedamola Ajoke, founder of Med Record in the healthcare sector; and Olaboye Theophilus, founder of Laban AI under digital services.
The onboarding session also featured the introduction of experienced academic mentors expected to guide participants throughout the programme and provide technical, professional, and strategic support for the development of their startups.
The mentors include Dr. Adebimpe Esan, Head of the Department of Systems Engineering, alongside Dr. Daniel Uguru-Okorie of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering, both of whom are expected to play vital roles in mentoring and strengthening the participants’ innovation journeys.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. J.O. Ogunwole, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and enterprise development among students and young professionals.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, initiatives such as the iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab create practical pathways through which innovative ideas can be transformed into sustainable ventures capable of contributing meaningfully to national growth and economic development.
He noted that universities must go beyond conventional classroom teaching by creating environments where students and innovators can develop practical solutions to societal challenges through technology and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking during the onboarding programme, the Director of Innovation and Digital Technology at FUOYE, Prof. O.S. Ayanda, encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the initiative through dedication, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Prof. Ayanda described innovation as a major driver of sustainable development and economic advancement, stressing that the future belongs to individuals capable of thinking creatively and developing practical solutions to pressing societal problems.
“Innovation is the bedrock of sustainable development, economic growth, and national transformation. The future belongs to individuals who are willing to think differently, solve problems creatively, and build solutions that impact society positively,” he stated.
He further assured participants that the FUOYE Innovation Hub would continue to support startup founders and innovators through mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources capable of helping them scale their ideas into successful enterprises.
Stakeholders at the event described the programme as a timely intervention capable of strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem while empowering young entrepreneurs with the knowledge and exposure required to compete in the global digital economy.
The iDICE Startup Bridge Programme is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria implemented by the Bank of Industry with support from the African Development Bank as part of broader efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
Education and technology stakeholders have continued to stress the importance of innovation hubs within Nigerian universities, noting that such platforms can play critical roles in addressing unemployment, boosting digital skills, and encouraging enterprise-driven economic growth among young Nigerians.
The latest onboarding exercise further highlights FUOYE’s increasing investment in digital innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning the institution among universities actively promoting technology-driven solutions and startup development in Nigeria.
