UNILAG-AFRETEC, Theseabilities Foundation reward assistive tech innovators

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), in strategic partnership with the Theseabilities Foundation, has successfully hosted the Research-Based Assistive Technologies Challenge, celebrating groundbreaking innovations designed to enhance accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities. This initiative, a testament to collaborative efforts, saw teams compete for prizes that will help bring their practical, research-driven solutions to life. The event underscores a shared commitment to bridging the gap between technological advancement and the real-world needs of individuals with disabilities.

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It wasn’t originally our idea. It was by the University of Lagos AFRETEC Network. They have a technology hub where they want to ensure that people can create innovative ideas that will help people with disabilities.

Team Audio Reality emerged as the champion, securing the N2 million first prize for their innovative solution. This victory highlights the caliber of research and development emerging from Nigerian institutions and the potential for local innovation to address significant societal challenges. The challenge, which involved a rigorous selection process from a pool of nine finalists, also awarded N1.5 million to Team S.I.G.I.L. and N1 million to Team Amebo, recognizing their significant contributions.

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We decided to collaborate with them by offering the sponsorship and funding that a lot of these inventors would need to develop their innovations further and, when ready, help them take them to market.

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Chairman of the Theseabilities Foundation, emphasized the foundation's role in providing crucial sponsorship and funding, enabling inventors to further develop their innovations and facilitating their journey to market. This collaboration with UNILAG's Afretec Network exemplifies a proactive approach to disability inclusion, moving beyond advocacy to tangible support for assistive tools and disability-friendly environments. From a Nigerian perspective, such initiatives are vital for empowering persons with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive society, and showcasing the nation's capacity for technological innovation that has a direct, positive impact on its citizens' lives.

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We are a disability foundation set up to ensure that there is ability in disability. We advocate inclusion, support employment, provide assistive tools like wheelchairs, and help create disability-friendly environments.