By Chikezie Ogbonna
In a dazzling display of innovation and talent, nine students from Godfrey Okoye University (GO University) emerged victorious at the Bluecode Hackathon Enugu, walking away with a total of ₦6 million in prize money. The event, held at the university’s campus, was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the transformative power of technology.
Organized by the Directorate of Competitions and sponsored by Bluecode Africa, the hackathon brought together 19 teams of bright young minds who competed to design cutting-edge applications using Bluecode’s payment API. After hours of intense coding, brainstorming, and presentations, three teams stood out, impressing a panel of industry experts with their innovative solutions.
The Winning Teams
The competition culminated in a thrilling awards ceremony, where the top three teams were announced:
- First Place – Reniside Team (₦3,000,000)
Comprising two young men, the Reniside Team clinched the top prize with their groundbreaking fintech solution. Their application, which addressed a critical gap in the financial technology space, left the judges in awe and earned them the coveted title of champions. - Second Place – Team Majesty (₦2,000,000)
A diverse team of three men and two women, Team Majesty secured second place with their creative and functional application. Their solution demonstrated not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of user needs. - Third Place – Team Grace (₦1,000,000)
Team Grace’s well-thought-out solution earned them third place, showcasing their talent, dedication, and ability to think outside the box.
A Gathering of Tech Enthusiasts and Leaders
The event was graced by notable personalities, including the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who commended the winners for their exceptional performance. In his address, Prof. Onyia highlighted the Enugu State Government’s commitment to integrating technology into its e-governance programs. He also announced plans to involve participants from the hackathon in future state-led tech initiatives, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Sergius Udeh, reminded attendees that a university is not just a place for academic learning but also a hub for research, innovation, and community service. He reiterated GO University’s dedication to fostering technological advancement and creating opportunities for students to excel.
Encouragement from Bluecode Africa
The Managing Director of Bluecode Nigeria, Mr. Davidson Regha, urged participants to dream big and continue refining their ideas. “What you have achieved here is just the beginning,” he said. “The world is waiting for your innovations, and we believe in your potential to make a global impact.”
Mr. Odin Krisymayr, Managing Director of Bluecode Africa, also praised Godfrey Okoye University for producing students with a strong passion for technology. “The level of talent and creativity we have seen here today is truly inspiring,” he remarked.
A Commitment to Excellence
Mrs. Uchanta Chukwu, Director of Competitions at GO University, expressed her gratitude to Bluecode Africa for sponsoring the hackathon. She reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to organizing events that challenge and inspire students to push the boundaries of innovation. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “We will continue to create platforms that empower our students to shine on both national and global stages.”
More Than Just a Prize
For the winners, the hackathon was about more than just the prize money. It was a testament to the potential of young Nigerians to create world-class solutions and compete on a global scale. It was also a moment of pride for Godfrey Okoye University, which continues to establish itself as a leading institution for technology and innovation in Nigeria.
As the event concluded, one thing was clear: the future of technology is being built right here in Enugu, and these students are at the forefront of this exciting journey. With their talent, determination, and the support of institutions like GO University and Bluecode Africa, the possibilities are limitless.
The Bluecode Hackathon Enugu has set the stage for bigger opportunities, and the world is watching as these young innovators lead the way into a brighter, tech-driven future.
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