Over 2000 technology enthusiasts, students, and innovators will converge at the University of Lagos, Akoka for the grand finale of the annual competition, Professor Ayodele Awojobi Design Competition (PAADC) on July 27, 2019. PAADC is a national event that spurs and encourages innovation among young Nigerians, creates relevant solutions to solve some of Nigeria’s biggest challenges and encourages a focus on STEM education in Nigeria.
The third edition (PAADC 3.0) is themed “The influence of innovation and technology in a progressive society” and will foster a dialogue on ground-breaking technological breakthroughs and methods, feature leading technology and start-up founders and feature the top five teams shortlisted for the finals, from a pool from over 45 African tertiary institutions, all competing to win the grand prize of one million naira with ideas that proffer solutions to societal problems in health, transport, agriculture and financial technology among others.
Speaking ahead of the event, Chairman, PAADC Planning Committee, and Engineering Student at the University of Lagos, Adedayo Aruwajoye said “The PAADC 3.0 Grand Finale promises to be exciting and filled with new innovative solutions and a fantastic line-up of speakers and partners. We expect representatives from our partners, educational and research institutions across Nigeria and students who will be providing insights into how technology is disrupting Africa and Nigeria in particular, the role of sustainability and the existence of transformational opportunities within the continent. PAADC will also throw up the need for us to upskill quickly to meet the demand of digital transformation within the continent and become better prepared for the 4th revolution”.
Some of Nigeria’s biggest companies have already thrown their weight behind the event. Verraki Partners, a Business, Technology, and Consulting firm will be sponsoring the grand prize of One Million Naira to the best idea while other partners and sponsors include Kawai Technologies, Jumia, Lagos State Government, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Primero Transport Services Limited, The Future Africa Project and so on.
With more than 3000 participants since inception in 2017, PAADC provides a platform for major players and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem to connect with the younger and innovative generation. The event creates an avenue for deal-making, impactful knowledge sharing, and progressive collaboration between local industry experts and thought leaders and undergraduates nationwide.
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