Innovation Fair 2026 Begins at UNILAG, Experts Urge Students to Turn Ideas into Startups

The maiden edition of Innovation Fair 2026, organised by NITHUB, commenced on Wednesday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) with industry leaders, entrepreneurs and students exploring how universities can serve as launchpads for building successful businesses.

The event opened with a panel session themed “The University as Leverage: How Founders Turn Knowledge into Venture-Ready Solutions,” moderated by Miss Favour Urhiofe.

Panelists included the founder of Waltersam Global Tech Ltd., Mr. Samuel Johnson (Waltersam); the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Cubbes, Mr. Peter Adeyemi, represented by a member of his team; and the founder of YarnGPT, Mr. Saheed Azeez Ayaniyi.

The speakers described universities as more than centres for academic learning, noting that they provide an environment where students can develop practical skills, build meaningful relationships and access opportunities that support entrepreneurship.

They said universities offer founders access to mentorship, innovation hubs, funding opportunities and collaborative networks capable of transforming ideas into sustainable businesses.

Speaking on the importance of mentorship, Johnson said entrepreneurs benefit greatly from guidance provided by experienced professionals. He explained that mentors help founders navigate challenges, expand their networks and identify opportunities that may otherwise remain inaccessible.

He also noted that the university environment naturally encourages innovation because students are surrounded by ambitious individuals working to solve real-world problems. According to him, the reputation of a university can also enhance the credibility of young founders and make it easier for their ventures to gain recognition.

Johnson encouraged participants to share their ideas rather than keep them private, explaining that constructive feedback often helps founders identify weaknesses, discover new opportunities and improve the scalability of their solutions. He added that collaboration frequently produces stronger outcomes than working in isolation.

Representing Cubbes, Adeyemi’s representative urged students to intentionally take advantage of opportunities within the university community. He encouraged them to pursue internships, join innovation communities and student clubs, volunteer for projects and embrace continuous learning to maximise their university experience.

The panel also highlighted the importance of collaboration in entrepreneurship, warning that building startups alone can limit creativity and decision-making. The speakers noted that co-founders and trusted collaborators provide accountability, complementary skills and motivation, especially during difficult periods.

Participants were further encouraged to embrace innovation, remain open to learning and make deliberate use of the networks and resources available within the university ecosystem.

The opening panel set the tone for the 72-hour innovation fair, inspiring participants to see the university not only as a place of learning but also as a platform for developing innovative ideas, forming strategic partnerships and building businesses capable of creating lasting impact.

Delivering his opening address, the Ag, Director of NITHUB, Prof. Victor Odumuyiwa, reflected on the hub’s journey over the past five years, saying it has evolved into one of Nigeria’s leading innovation ecosystems and has empowered more than 20,000 people with technology skills.

Also speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing graduates equipped with both academic knowledge and practical innovation skills.

She said the university, through the NITHUB, initiative has created an enabling ecosystem that supports students in developing ideas into successful startups.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the partnership is built on three key pillars: talent development, idea execution, startup incubation and startup acceleration.

She encouraged students to embrace failure as part of the entrepreneurial journey, stressing that setbacks should serve as learning opportunities rather than reasons to abandon their ambitions. Prof. Ogunsola also urged young innovators to develop their talents within Nigeria and contribute to the country’s growing innovation ecosystem.