MOUAU team clinches second position, wins N1.5m at AFRETEC-UNILAG Innovation challenge

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has strengthened its profile in technological innovation and inclusive education, as Team ECHO Project emerged second at the 2026 AFRETEC-UNILAG Inclusive Education Innovation Challenge with its artificial intelligence-powered learning application, INCLUSILEARN AI, winning a cash prize of ₦1.5 million.

The competition, hosted by the University of Lagos, attracted 94 universities across West Africa, with MOUAU’s team distinguishing itself among the 15 finalist teams through an innovative solution designed to improve access to education for students with speech and hearing impairments.

Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, expressed delight at the accomplishment and commended the coordinator, the mentor and the students for representing the University creditably.

While assuring the team of her administration’s commitment to supporting young innovators whose ideas address societal challenges,
Prof. Akanwa assured that Management would take steps to secure patent protection for INCLUSILEARN AI to safeguard the innovation as the University’s intellectual property.

The Team coordinator and Head, Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Prof. Patricia Ukegbu, alongside the team mentor, Dr. Uzochukwu A. Onwuzuruike, explained that INCLUSILEARN AI is a three-in-one digital learning application designed to improve access to curriculum-based educational content for learners with sensory disabilities.

They noted that the innovation seeks to address barriers to learning and promote greater inclusion in the educational system.
The duo further disclosed that the project was developed through collaboration among the Departments of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Computer Engineering and Microbiology, reflecting the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing practical solutions to societal needs. The team pledged to enhance the application to improve its functionality, respond more effectively to users’ needs and prepare it for public deployment.

The Team ECHO Project were made up of Miss Okwunodulu Chiamaka Claire of Human Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Ukegbu Brian Chukwuebuka, Ikwueze Uchechukwu of the Department of Computer Engineering; and Miss Precious Ogwo, a sign-language expert from the Department of Microbiology.

MOUAU’s achievement underscores the University’s commitment to promoting innovation, interdisciplinary research and inclusive education. It also demonstrates the capacity of its students and academic staff to develop technology-driven solutions that address pressing societal needs and advance equitable access to learning.