Alimi Yusirat Damilola Wins CODET National Competition: A Testament to Hard Work and Resilience.
Alimi Yusirat Damilola, a recent graduate and female best graduating student from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, emerged as the winner of the CODET National Competition, a competition which recognizes innovation and excellence in project development. In an exclusive interview with TESA Press, Damilola, our victorious participant in the prestigious competition, shared her inspiring journey to success.
The Committee of Deans of Engineering and Technology of Nigerian Universities (CODET), is a Sub-Committee under the Education and Training Committee of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). It has been tasked to ensure the highest quality of engineering education in Nigerian engineering-accredited universities. Since 2016, CODET has organized annual engineering competitions for engineering graduates and undergraduates in these universities. It was in the Best Engineering Student Project competition that Damilola came first and was awarded at the 32th COREN Engineering Assembly held at Abuja.
Damilola’s journey to success began when her project was selected to represent the University of Ibadan at the zonal level.
“A few days before the close of abstract submission, the Sub Dean of the faculty sent a message asking some of us in our final year to submit our abstract, as well as to show a working prototype of the project,” she explained.
Her project was selected and submitted for the competition as the project from the University of Ibadan and was consequently selected to compete at the Zonals, which included universities in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo State.
Damilola won at the Zonal level, proceeded to compete at the Nationals in Abuja, and was awarded the first place winner. When asked about her experience in the contest, she said,
“It was really interesting because every school also had outstanding projects, literally the best projects in their school as well.”
She acknowledged the support of her family, friends, and supervisor, stating that the incredible feat could not have been done without the encouragement and guidance of her family, friends, colleagues, and supervisors.
Specifically, Damilola mentioned the contributions of Eniola Otolorin, Wuraola Akinlade, Abibat Lanlokun, Oyindamola Otunla, Adeyeye Adesinaayo, Odafe Eyoufe (former TESA President), Àjàyí James, and her supervisor, Dr. Petinrin.
“Wura had to interpret circuit diagrams at 2 am past midnight with me; also my Supervisor, Dr. Petinrin sent me a lot of resources and books,” she said.
Her project, “Development of an Automatic Syringe Infusion Pump,” was adjudged the best project in the Single Category at the CODET National competition held at the NIGCOMSAT Building , Abuja on August 31, 2024. An award ceremony followed on September 4, 2024.
This achievement continues the Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan’s track record of excellence, solidifying its reputation as a hub for innovation and academic distinction. The university community and beyond have congratulated Damilola on her outstanding achievement, celebrating her as a role model and inspiration to aspiring engineers and innovators.
