By Peace Udugba
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have emerged winners from the South-South region in the Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), a nationwide innovation and entrepreneurship competition held at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The competition, which took place on Monday, May 18, 2026, is organised by Enactus Nigeria in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
UNIPORT, represented by Team PROTRONICS, and UNIBEN, represented by Team VHORDE, outperformed teams from Igbinedion University, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), and the University of Uyo to secure top positions in the regional contest.
The participating teams presented innovative hardware and software prototypes aimed at addressing real-world challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.
Team PROTRONICS from UNIPORT showcased “KEYTRIC,” a smart energy control system designed to reduce electricity costs and improve household safety by automatically switching off power when users lock their doors before leaving home. The team said the solution targets issues such as high electricity bills, fire risks, and limitations in existing smart home systems.
According to the team, KEYTRIC offers a more affordable and integrated solution that does not depend heavily on internet connectivity and helps reduce electrical hazards in homes.
UNIBEN’s Team VHORDE presented “IRIS,” an intelligent assistive technology designed for visually impaired individuals. The system combines smart glasses, sensors, and artificial intelligence to provide real-time object detection, face recognition, and environmental awareness.
The device also includes a wearable AI processing unit that performs functions such as object detection and voice processing without requiring constant internet connectivity. The team estimated the production cost of the IRIS Standard model at N699,000 for a one-time purchase.
Speaking at the event, a judge, Dokubo Obongo, described the presentations as “top-notch,” noting that many of the solutions demonstrated strong market potential and relevance to societal challenges.
He added that the Engineering Olympiad is designed to promote home-grown innovation and encourage Nigerian students to develop practical solutions to national problems while also creating potential business opportunities.
The Country Director of Enactus Nigeria, Michael Ajayi, disclosed that the top two teams from each geopolitical zone will proceed to a boot camp ahead of the national championship, where the best three teams will share a prize pool of N100 million.
He also revealed that all 30 participating teams that showcased prototype technologies at the regional level will receive N3 million each.
The South-South finalists will now proceed to the next stage of the competition as preparations intensify for the national finals.
