In a bold display of student leadership and tech-forward thinking, the Sync Administration, under the leadership of Ayomide Samuel Ogunyomi, President of the Nigeria Association of Computer Science Students (NACOSS), University of Ilorin Chapter, has made history with the maiden edition of NACOSS TechFest 1.0.
The event held at the Unilorin Main Auditorium on May 13, gathered close to 1,000 tech enthusiasts, innovators, and thought leaders, positioning it as one of the largest student-led technology conferences in Nigeria to date.
The event with the theme ‘Tech for Good: Creating Solutions for a Better World,’ aimed to ignite a culture of ethical innovation and community-driven impact among aspiring developers, designers, and digital entrepreneurs.
NACOSS President, Ayomide Samuel Ogunyomi, said: “This is more than just a tech event. It’s a call to action, encouraging every tech student to see their skills not just as tools for personal success, but as instruments to solve real problems and create lasting change.”
The TechFest featured a diverse lineup of keynote speakers and panelists including Musty Mustapha (Co-founder, Kuda), Dr. Amos Bajeh (Sub-Dean, Faculty of CIS), Iroh Nkechi (Founder, TechWithIroh Podcast), Ozenua Oluwatobi (Product Designer), and Dimeji Falana (Founder, Edves). Each brought a unique perspective on navigating the tech landscape with purpose and creativity.
Key sessions covered a wide range of topics, from “Start Small, Build Bold” to “Not Just Another Designer: Standing Out in the Age of AI,” and “From Code to Impact: Using Development to Build for Social Good.” These talks provided attendees with insights into real-world challenges and the strategies to address them through technology.
A major highlight was the Panel session moderated by Ogunyomi himself. Founder of Studio Duo, Hakeem Olasupo, shared his journey from a beginner designer to a company founder. Aminat Balogun detailed the core competencies of effective product managers. Ismail Eleburuike, represented by Salami Muyideen spoke on how SchoolTry is revolutionising education in Nigeria, while Shittu Samson gave a candid talk on life after school and the building of MyCribb. The interactive Q&A that followed gave students the chance to ask deep questions and gain practical advice.
Participants also took part in a Hackathon Challenge, where they collaborated to build AI-powered solutions, while networking sessions and mentorship opportunities connected students with established tech leaders.
What sets NACOSS TechFest apart is not just the scale or the high-profile speakers—it’s the mission. More than a celebration of innovation, it’s a platform dedicated to spotlight the transformative power of technology in solving real-world problems. It combines expert insights with student engagement, emphasising that innovation is only as valuable as the problems it solves.
The main message of the day was clear: every tech skill has a purpose, and that purpose must be tied to improving society. Quoting Dr. Myles Munroe, Ogunyomi left the audience with a challenge: “When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.”
As the curtains closed on TechFest 1.0, attendees didn’t just walk away with inspiration, they left with a renewed sense of responsibility to build, lead, and innovate for the good of all.
