The University of Port Harcourt and the University of Benin have emerged winners of the South-South regional finals of the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), held at the Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa.
The University of Port Harcourt team, PROTRONICS, and the University of Benin team, VHorde, secured top positions ahead of teams from Igbinedion University, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), and the University of Uyo.
The competition is part of a nationwide engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship programme launched in 2025 by Enactus Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Renaissance Africa Energy Company, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
Teams presented hardware and software prototypes designed to address real-life challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.
PROTRONICS showcased “KEYTRIC,” a smart power control system described as an automated energy-saving solution using an intelligent locking mechanism. The team said the device helps reduce high electricity bills and fire risks by automatically switching off power when users leave home and lock their doors. They also noted that existing smart home systems are often expensive, require rewiring, and depend on internet connectivity, making their solution more affordable and accessible.
The University of Benin team, VHorde, presented “IRIS (Intelligent Real-time Interface for Sight),” a smart assistive technology designed for visually impaired persons. The device integrates smart glasses, sensors, a microphone, and haptic feedback systems to help users navigate and interpret their environment in real time.
The system also includes an AI computing unit worn at the waist, which performs object detection, face recognition, and voice processing offline. The team said IRIS is designed for reliability without constant internet access and includes features such as obstacle detection and natural voice interaction. They estimated the standard version would cost ₦699,000.
Judges praised the quality of presentations. NCDMB Manager of Institutional Strengthening, Engr. Dokubo Obongo, described the projects as “top-notch,” noting their relevance to real societal challenges and commercial potential.
He said the Olympiad aims to encourage Nigerian universities to develop home-grown solutions through research and innovation that can also create business opportunities.
Enactus Nigeria Country Director, Michael Ajayi, said the top two teams from each geopolitical zone will proceed to a boot camp ahead of the national finals, where the top three teams will share ₦100 million in prizes. He added that all 30 participating teams will receive ₦3 million each.
Team PROTRONICS was led by Faculty Adviser Dr. Victor Jinn, with members Chukwuma Sunday-Odu, Fubara David Otokini, and Ekemini Godwin Akpan.
Team VHorde members included Anoint Oritsetimeyin Igorki, Oghosa Derick Osarobo, Uti Henry Eworitsewarami, Jada O. Godfrey-Ariavie, Richard O. Enegbuna, Momodu O. Olayemi, and Asemota G. Ayevbosa.
