Oyewale Abdulsobur, a 400-level Computer Science student of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA has clinched the third position in the national competition organized by Huawei Technologies Co. Nigeria Limited in December 2023 and thereby won a position in the regional finals. Two students from Nasarawa State University and the University of Benin also qualified alongside Oyewale for the regional competition.
A letter announcing the feat to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, and requesting the release of Oyewale for the regional final and signed by the Director, Service Delivery EBG, Huawei Technologies Co. Nigeria Ltd, Mars Zhangmi, reads, “I am pleased to inform you that a student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, was victorious at the concluded National Finals of the 2023-2024 Huawei ICT Competition. The student from your prestigious University has topped students from other schools in Nigeria and is proceeding to the regional stage of the competition where he will be competing with students from other schools in Africa. We would like to solicit your support in releasing the student for the next stage of the competition (the Regional Final) where he will be representing the Federal University of Technology, Akure and Nigeria.” The Vice-Chancellor Professor Oladiji has congratulated Oyewole describing him as a worthy ambassador of the University. “He has shown the excellence our students are known for, we wish him all the best in the next level of the competition," the Vice Chancellor said.
Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices with headquarters in China.
In the Interview below, Oyewale, who is already at the boot camp holding in Abuja for the regional stage to be held at a later date, gives his background, involvement in the competition, and his expectations from the next level of the competition.
1. Tell us about your background
My name is Oyewale Abdulsobur, a 400-level student of Computer Science, FUTA. I completed my primary school education at SUBEB model primary school, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State in 2009 and proceeded to At-Tawheed model school, Ado Ekiti, for my secondary school and graduated in 2017.
2. When were the national finals of the 2023/24 Huwaei ICT competition held and where?
The National finals was held remotely on December 4th, 2023
3. How many institutions participated?
Many higher institutions across Nigeria participated with Nasarawa State University coming first, the University of Benin, second, and FUTA third.
4. How did you know about the competition and what made you one of the best nationally?
I got to know about the Huawei competition a few weeks before the national final examination which requires me perusing a high volume of course materials. Knowing time wasn't on my side to prepare, I drew out a plan that involved me reading at night and reducing my participation in some other activities. In general, I would say my grit, determination, love of technology, and thirst for success were what made me attain a good position during the national final examination.
5. How will it benefit you and by extension FUTA?
Huawei intends to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. My participation in the competition has opened me to skills I wouldn't have gotten for free. Looking forward, I intend to extend the reach of this competition to my fellow FUTA students.
6. How prepared are you for the regional stage and what are your expectations?
Knowing the regional final won't be easy, I have drafted a comprehensive learning plan which I am following to cover all necessary materials needed for the examination. As for my expectations, I believe with my dedication and hard work I will turn out best, and win the grand prize, during the regional final.
7. What counsel do you have for Nigerian youth, especially FUTA students?
I advise Nigerian youth, especially FUTA students, to embrace curiosity, lifelong learning, and community engagement as essential tools for personal and societal development.
