Babatunde Oyindamola, a 300-level student from the College of Computing, McPherson University, has been awarded as the Best Hackathon 2024 Champion after an intensive week-long boot-camp competition held in Lagos. The event, organized by Data Science Nigeria (DSN), showcased the growing interest in artificial intelligence and provided a platform for emerging tech talents from across the nation.
The boot-camp attracted an impressive 30,000 applicants from various institutions, but only 200 participants were selected to take part in the five-day program at the University of Lagos, Akoka. Among the chosen candidates were several notable representatives from McPherson University, including Babatunde Oyindamola, Dr. Kayode Oladapo, the Ag. Director of ICT-RMU and Omorere Idowu, a 400-level Software Engineering student. Their presence highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting excellence in technology education.
In an exclusive interview, Oyindamola shared her initial feelings of anxiety as she faced off against seasoned competitors. “I encountered people who are experts; they’ve advanced significantly in their studies and extracurricular activities,” she reflected. “For me, this was a new challenge, but I was determined to learn and give it my best.” Her perseverance and dedication ultimately led her to emerge winner.
Grateful for the support she received from her university, Oyindamola emphasized the crucial role that her lecturers played in her success. “Our professors are always encouraging us to participate in competitions and keep us informed about opportunities,” she noted. This supportive academic environment has proven vital for students striving to excel in their fields.
The boot-camp was designed not only to foster competition but also to enhance collaboration and practical skill development among participants. Highlights included Omorere Idowu winning a key interactive session and Dr. Oladapo sharing his research insights. The overall experience provided invaluable learning opportunities, equipping participants with essential skills in the rapidly evolving domain of data science and AI.
In response to the success of the boot-camp, McPherson University has taken proactive steps to extend the benefits of the program. A DSN AI campus community has been established, fully sponsored by Data Science Nigeria. Oyindamola and Idowu will serve as campus ambassadors, while Dr. Oladapo will lead the initiative. This community aims to facilitate AI learning meet-ups, training sessions, and hackathons, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the global tech market.
By creating this supportive network, McPherson University is committed to equipping its students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the tech industry. The DSN AI campus community is therefore expected to play a pivotal role in nurturing future innovators and leaders in Artificial Intelligence, fostering an environment of collaboration, research, and continuous learning.
John Manasseh
