L–R: Managing Partner, Octerra Capital, Ashim Egunjobi; Founder/CEO, BeyondLimits, Dr. Juliet Ehimuan; Chairman, Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide; Team ByteBros winners of the 4th Cavista Technologies Hackathon from Lagos State University (LASU) — Olajide Alameem, Ajasa Shashudeem and Alexandra Adeyemi; General Manager, Cavista Technologies, Oyebola Morakinyo; Registrar, National Institute of Management (Chartered), Dr. Taiwo Olusesi; and CEO, Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson, at the grand finale of the Cavista Hackathon in Lagos on Sunday.
By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The fourth edition of the Cavista Technologies Hackathon ended on a high note in Lagos, with Team ByteBros from Lagos State University (LASU) emerging as overall winners and carting home the ₦2 million grand prize after outshining 46 other teams and 200 student participants.
L–R: Chairman, Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide; Team ByteBros winners of the 4th Cavista Technologies Hackathon from Lagos State University (LASU) — Olajide Alameem, Ajasa Shashudeem and Alexandra Adeyemi; and General Manager, Cavista Technologies, Oyebola Morakinyo, at the grand finale of the Cavista Hackathon in Lagos on Sunday.
This year’s competition recorded increased participation, attracting students from five tertiary institutions across Lagos State, including Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech), Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
With the theme, “From Data to Prevention: AI as Your Health Partner,” the hackathon challenged participants to develop preventive healthcare solutions powered by artificial intelligence. From the initial pool of contestants, 10 finalist teams were selected to pitch their ideas before a panel of judges.
In her welcome address, the General Manager of Cavista Technologies, Oyebola Morakinyo, urged participants to think boldly and challenge conventional limits. She described the hackathon as more than a competition, but a platform for shaping future innovators.
“In a world where technology evolves almost at the speed of light, hackathons remind us why pushing boundaries matters. We are not here just to host a competition, but to create a space for the visionaries who will define tomorrow,” she said.
Morakinyo reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing top talent, noting that Cavista seeks to attract and retain the best minds who embody innovation and resilience.
Delivering a goodwill message via a live video address, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, commended Cavista for fostering innovation and providing a collaborative platform for young Nigerians to develop solutions to real-world challenges. She highlighted the growing intersection between technology and the creative sector, emphasizing the importance of AI in storytelling, digital content creation, and economic growth.
At the end of the competition, Team ByteBros from LASU claimed first place and the ₦2 million prize. Team Mannalon from Pan-Atlantic University secured second place with ₦1 million, while Team Nibbles from LASUSTECH finished third, earning ₦500,000. The fourth and fifth-place teams each received ₦400,000, courtesy of Cavista Holdings Chairman, Niyi John Olajide, who attended the event.
Beyond the cash prizes, participants benefited from mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to industry professionals. Special category awards were also presented with support from partners including Fearless Energy Drink, Mouka Foam, Rite Foods, and Rack Centre.
Speaking on the broader impact of AI, Morakinyo stressed that artificial intelligence should not be seen as a threat to jobs but as a tool for expanding skills and driving innovation. According to her, Cavista leverages AI to enhance the capabilities of software engineers rather than replace them.
She also highlighted the company’s four-year-old training and development programme, which she said has significantly boosted students’ technical competence and confidence. She called on both the private sector and government to invest in infrastructure, affordable internet access, and updated technology curricula to retain skilled talent in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Cavista’s Engineering Manager, Ifeanyi Okagbue, reiterated the company’s dedication to equipping young Nigerians with practical, real-world skills. He noted that the hackathon serves as a platform for students to experience corporate-level problem-solving while showcasing their capabilities.
According to him, success is measured not only by participation numbers but also by the quality of research, clarity of ideas, and practical relevance of proposed solutions. He encouraged aspiring tech professionals to align their career paths with their passion, noting that opportunities in the tech ecosystem extend beyond coding to areas such as product management, UI design, and software testing.
Through the hackathon and its training initiatives, Cavista Technologies continues to reinforce its commitment to innovation, talent development, and the growth of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
