The Federal University of Technology, Akure ,FUTA has recorded another milestone through one of its students, Mr. Okusenogu Saviour who emerged one of the ten Global winners in a competition organized by Microsoft Corporation. The competition tagged ‘Microsoft Youthspark Challenge for Change Contest’ is an innovative ideas contest that challenges youths across the world to bring in ideas on how to make a change in their communities and the world using technology. Okusenogu is the only winner from Africa. For emerging the best in Africa, Okusenogu won a Surface Pro 3 Computing System, $2500 cash award to enable him turn his idea into reality, a window phone, the Ticket to represent Africa in Nicaragua and the distinction of being designated a Microsoft Youthspark Advocate.
Of the 30 global finalists with 3 Nigerians out of the over 2,000 initial contestants, Okusenogu emerged one of the 10 finalists who will eventually be at the Grand finale in Nicaragua for two weeks from 3rd – 16th August, 2015. Okusenogu whose project idea is titled ‘Become Inspired in Science and Engineering Technology (BISET)’ said he discovered that many young people have a wrong perception of science and technology and are either not involved in it at all or are not utilizing it in a productive manner. He said he decided to change this perspective by starting with the young people in Secondary Schools with the aim of inspiring them to have interest in science and technology for them to become creative, productive and innovative.
Okusenogu, a 100 Level student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering said he looks forward to emerge the best in August and make FUTA, Nigeria and Africa proud. Okusenogu, a former President of Junior Engineering Technicians and Scientists (JETS) while in Secondary School said with the little time spent in FUTA, he has observed that the institution is one of the best in the country and feels very proud to be a Futarian.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, delighted with the achievement of Okusenogu, has since congratulated him and said that the feat further confirms that FUTA is not just a leading University in Nigeria, but also internationally.
