UNILAG BITE Initiative Empowers Young Nigerian Innovators

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation, in partnership with the University of Lagos
Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Center (ESDC), has successfully concluded the 2nd edition of the Business Innovation and Talent Expression (BITE) program. With the first edition in 2022, this distinctive initiative was designed to integrate traditional education with practical business solutions, culminating in a captivating competition that showcased the inventive and entrepreneurial spirit of young Nigerian students.

The BITE program attracted over 300 budding innovators who submitted their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of esteemed judges. These innovative concepts spanned various sectors, from cutting-edge technological solutions in healthcare and agriculture to ingenious approaches
addressing everyday challenges. The panel, comprising industry experts and business leaders,
was thoroughly impressed by the creativity and potential demonstrated by the participants.

Commencing in late February with over 300 applicants, the competition involved a rigorous
selection process that initially narrowed the field to 120 candidates for evaluation by the judges in the third round. The judges included Adebola Olujimi, CEO of Emadeb Energy; Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Co-Founder of Future Africa, Andela, and Flutterwave; Tolulope Olumilua, CEO of
Opulence Capital; Kene Egbue, Programme Director at the Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation;
and Mrs. Olawumi Fajemirokun, Executive Director at the Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation.

Subsequently, 60 contestants progressed to the second round, leading to the selection of the top
ten finalists. These finalists had the opportunity to present their ideas to a distinguished jury
during the final phase of the competition.

The BITE competition winners were announced on May 16th, 2024:
Father Chow emerged as the champion, securing a 2 million naira grant.
Phoenix secured the second position, receiving a grant of 750 thousand naira.

Fladov claimed the third spot, also awarded 750 thousand naira.
Expressing gratitude, Father Chow remarked, “We started in January 2022 and we sold out over 843 packs of our Bread Sandwich in 10 days…I am grateful to God for this opportunity and the
Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation, it’s a dream come true to win this funding. With this, we will be able to scale and expand to get bicycles to run deliveries and do more on the marketing side”
The Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation, renowned for its dedication to nurturing young talents and fostering innovation, played a pivotal role in the success of the BITE program. This venture
underscores the Foundation’s commitment to creating an environment where academic
knowledge and practical business acumen coexist, fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.

“We are extremely proud of our effort to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, exemplifying
our commitment to nurturing talent and forward thinking leadership. We are looking forward to the 3rd edition happening in Ibadan later this year”. said Mrs. Olawunmi Fajemirokun,
Executive Director, Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation.

The BITE initiative exemplifies the potential of young Nigerians and the significance of
providing platforms that empower them to translate their ideas into viable business solutions. As
the program evolves, it is poised to bridge the gap between education and real-world business
applications, nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs equipped to address contemporary challenges