The Miva AI Hackathon is back. And after everything that happened last year, we’re expecting an even bigger event.
Last year, our students proved what happens when talent meets opportunity. In just 48 hours, teams brainstormed, built, tested, and pitched AI solutions to experienced technology leaders. They tackled real problems, learned from industry experts, and pushed themselves further than they thought possible.
Yes, people won prizes. But that wasn’t the biggest win.
Students left with hands-on AI experience, more confidence in their skills, and valuable connections with people already building the future of technology. (Check out the event highlights.)
This year, we’re raising the bar again. From 21–23 July 2026, Miva students across Abuja, Lagos, Jos, and Port Harcourt will come together for three days of building, learning, and solving real problems with AI.
The theme for this year’s hackathon is AI for Africa’s Real Challenges.
Miva stars will create AI-powered solutions for problems affecting millions across the continent. Along the way, they’ll learn from founders, engineers, cybersecurity experts, AI leaders, and innovators who are helping shape Africa’s technology ecosystem.
Let’s meet the people who’ll be sharing their knowledge, challenging ideas, and judging this year’s competition.
In This Post
Keynote Speaker
Professor Obadare Peter Adewale is one of Africa’s foremost cybersecurity experts and technology leaders. As the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode Limited, he has spent decades helping organisations strengthen their cybersecurity posture, manage digital risks, and build resilient technology systems.
Beyond his work in cybersecurity, he is passionate about developing Africa’s technology talent and serves as a Professor of Practice at Miva Open University, where he shares his industry expertise with the next generation of innovators.
As keynote speaker, Professor Adewale will set the tone for the hackathon by exploring how artificial intelligence can become a powerful tool for solving Africa’s most pressing challenges. Students can expect practical insights drawn from years of leadership at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, innovation, and digital transformation.
Fireside Chat Speaker
David Timis is an internationally recognised AI thought leader who regularly speaks about the opportunities, risks, and societal impact of artificial intelligence.
His work focuses on helping individuals, businesses, and policymakers understand how AI is transforming industries and how organisations can adopt these technologies responsibly.
During the fireside chat, David Timis will discuss the future of AI, responsible innovation, and the opportunities available to young African innovators. Students will gain valuable perspectives on building AI solutions that create meaningful impact while addressing ethical and practical considerations.
Presentation Coach
A great idea deserves a great presentation.
Akanni Isaac is a digital transformation leader who helps organisations and founders use technology, data, and artificial intelligence to drive growth, improve efficiency, and strengthen their competitive advantage.
As presentation coach for the hackathon, he will help participating teams sharpen their storytelling, communicate their ideas clearly, and deliver compelling pitches that resonate with judges and investors. His guidance will help students transform technically sound AI projects into presentations that demonstrate both innovation and real-world value.
Meet the Judges
Ooreade Adeniran
Ooreade Adeniran is a Nigerian technology leader with over 13 years of experience designing and scaling digital platforms across fintech, banking, and insurtech.
Before joining Myka Ecosystems as Chief Technology Officer, Ooreade served as Head of Engineering at Payaza Africa, where he led engineering initiatives that supported the company’s growth across digital payments.
As a judge at the Miva AI Hackathon 2026, Ooreade will assess projects through the lens of engineering excellence, scalability, and real-world usability. Participants can expect valuable feedback on how to transform promising AI prototypes into products capable of creating lasting impact across Africa.
Paul Ehiagbonare
Paul Ehiagbonare is the Chief Technology & Information Officer at The uLesson Group, where he leads technology infrastructure and AI product development. Across a career spanning nearly two decades, he has held leadership roles at organisations including Accion Microfinance Bank and 9 Payment Service Bank.
His experience building digital products at scale across Africa enables him to assess AI solutions from both technical and business perspectives, helping students understand what it takes to build products that can succeed beyond the hackathon.
Dele Fayemi
Dele Fayemi is a business development and innovation ecosystem leader with extensive experience supporting startups, entrepreneurs, and technology-driven ventures. As the Business Development & Partnership Manager at the NASENI Innovation Hub, he leads strategic partnerships that connect innovators with funding opportunities, industry expertise, and the resources needed to transform bold ideas into scalable businesses.
As a judge at the hackathon, he will bring valuable insight into what it takes for an AI solution to succeed beyond the prototype stage. He will assess projects for their real-world relevance, scalability, and potential to create meaningful impact across Africa.
Dr Emeka Ogbuju
As Acting Dean of the School of Computing at Miva Open University, Dr Emeka Ogbuju combines academic leadership with practical knowledge of computing and emerging technologies.
He will evaluate projects based on technical quality, innovation, problem-solving ability, and how effectively teams apply AI principles to real-world challenges.
Paschaline Agughala
Paschaline Agughala leads AI and robotics initiatives at Miva Open University, helping students develop practical skills in emerging technologies.
Her expertise in artificial intelligence, robotics, and innovation makes her well-positioned to assess how effectively teams design, build, and apply AI solutions to address Africa’s most pressing needs.
Dr Chuks Ekwueme
Dr Chuks Ekwueme is chairman of the UNICCON Group of Companies and a professor of practice at Miva Open University. He has played an important role in advancing technology innovation and digital transformation across multiple sectors.
As a judge, he will bring a founder’s perspective, helping identify solutions with strong commercial potential, scalability, and long-term impact. His experience building technology businesses will encourage participants to think beyond prototypes and create solutions that can improve lives across Africa.
Build AI That Solves Africa’s Real Challenges
Whether you’re passionate about machine learning, software development, cybersecurity, robotics, product design, or entrepreneurship, the Miva AI Hackathon 2026 is your opportunity to turn ideas into impactful solutions while learning from some of the leading voices in technology and artificial intelligence.
If you’re a student at Miva Open University, now is the time to register and be part of this exciting experience. Register here.
If you won’t be participating, follow @mivauniversity across our social media channels for live updates, highlights, and inspiring stories from the Miva AI Hackathon 2026 as we build Africa’s future through artificial intelligence.