A team of five members have emerged grand prize winner of the OAU Stars Mentorship Programme, receiving N2.5 million for their groundbreaking project that addressed real-world challenges through innovative solutions.

The winner, known as Team A, comprising a mentor, Prof. E. F. Aransiola and members, Taiwo Olufemi Ojo (Administration), Adedayo Thomas Ayorinde (Technology), Kolade Adepeju Ademilola (Basic Medical Sciences), Iyanuoluwa Esther Ajibade (Agriculture), Motunrayo Abigael Ogunjemilusi (Technology).

The mentorship programme, known as the Best Undergraduate & Postgraduate Student Research Opportunity Program (BUSROP) and designed to merge academic excellence with real-world problem-solving, was held at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State.

Spearheaded by Professor A.O. Adegbulugbe, the programme aimed to empower students by providing them with mentorship, leadership training and opportunities to develop impactful research.

Over 240 students participated in the programme, forming 46 teams as each of the groups worked on diverse projects spanning technology, healthcare, agriculture, and social sciences.

The top three teams were recognised for their outstanding contributions with Team 3 as the first runner-up, receiving N1.5 million.

The team comprising Dr. V. Tanimonure as their mentor, and Yusuf Najat Abiodun (Administration), Olorunbunmi Magret Olayinka (Science), Owolola Samson Adebayo (Agriculture), Adewumi Aishat Olaide (Science), Ogungbe Oluwafunbi Ayomide (Basic Medical Sciences) as members.

Team B emerged as the second runner-up getting N1 million, with Dr. A. A. Abuloye as the mentor and members comprising, Mayowa Olawale Ogunsola (Administration), Adedayo Oreoluwa Adewole (Social Sciences), Ayoyemi Emmanuel Oluwatayo (Social Sciences) and Ayodele Omoronike Adewale.

These awards not only recognised the students’ creativity but also highlighted their potential to drive change through innovation and collaboration.

Marking one year since Prof. A.O. Adegbulugbe assumed leadership, the programme has seen remarkable progress, while his vision of bridging academic rigor with societal relevance has redefined mentorship at OAU.

Adegbulugbe, the programme’s leader, expressed his pride in the students’ achievements.

He said the aim of the programme is to help students transform their research into solutions that address the needs of society.

“The quality of work we’ve seen this past year demonstrates the potential of our students to make a significant impact,” he stated.

The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Simeon Bamire, also recognised the value of the programme.

He said the OAU STARS Mentorship Programme aligns perfectly with the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and societal relevance.

“It’s equipping students to address real-world issues and preparing them to become future leaders and innovators.

“The OAU STARS Mentorship Programme isn’t just about theory – it’s about creating tangible, actionable change. The programme has two main objectives: to foster research that provides real-world solutions and to equip students with the leadership and entrepreneurial skills needed to turn their findings into reality,” he explained.

The Former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Michael Faborode, who had been present at the Demo Day of the mentorship program commended the programme’s potential to set a new standard in Nigerian higher education.

“This is exactly the kind of programme Nigeria’s universities need. It’s blending academic rigor with real-world applications, showing our students how they can use their research to change the world,” he stated.

The Chief Executive Officer of The Hive Incubator and a key architect of the programme, Folajomi Adegbulugbe, highlighted the importance of mentorship in fostering student creativity.

He said the students have been nothing short of inspiring, noting that this is a powerful reminder that when young people are empowered with the right tools and guidance, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.

A tteam of dedicated individuals organised the programme, which include, Cosmo and Uni Services played an essential role in coordinating projects, ensuring everything ran smoothly throughout the year.

The university also provided invaluable mentorship, with faculty members like Mr. O.S. Adewinle, Professor(Mrs) G.O. Ogunlusi, and Professor G.A. Aderounmu lending their expertise to the programme.

Prof. A.O. Adegbulugbe’s team, which included coordinators like Folajomi Adegbulugbe, Moyinoluwa Adegbulugbe, and Yemisi Adeniyi gave their support.