By David Simeon
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) came alive on May 16 as eXhibot NG, a pioneering robotics initiative by Havitech Core Ltd, hosted its inaugural event, eXhibot 1.0, at the Hall 2 Car Park.
More than just a tech event, eXhibot 1.0 signaled the rise of a new movement in Nigerian hardware innovation—combining entertainment, education, and talent development to engage over 300 students, enthusiasts, and curious minds.
At the heart of the event were custom-built, modular robots battling in a vibrant arena. The high-energy crowd, hands-on exhibits, and live demonstrations created a carnival-like atmosphere. Although technical glitches prevented some full-scale matches, the event succeeded in igniting interest and passion for robotics among attendees.
UNIBEN’s role as host underscored the university’s commitment to innovation. For many students, eXhibot 1.0 sparked a desire to explore robotics and tech entrepreneurship. It wasn’t just an event—it was a moment of transformation.
eXhibot NG is more than a one-time showcase. It is a platform with a bold vision: to make robotics central to Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. Built on three core pillars—arena battles, interactive exhibitions, and a talent hub—eXhibot NG merges fun with futuristic thinking.
Arena Battles offer fast-paced competition to spotlight creativity and engineering talent.
Interactive Exhibitions provide hands-on experience, making robotics tangible for all skill levels.
The Talent Hub delivers tutorials and workshops to develop a pipeline of future innovators.
This approach aims to democratize access to robotics while positioning Nigeria’s youth as creators—not just consumers—of tech solutions.
Building on the success of its debut, eXhibot NG will launch mini-events across Edo State schools, exposing younger students to robotics through workshops and demos. These activations will prepare the ground for eXhibot 2.0, scheduled for Q4 2025.
The second edition promises to be a landmark competition involving top universities like UNIBEN, Ambrose Alli University, and Edo State University. Each institution will form two teams: one for an arena battle robot, and another to develop an innovative tech solution.
The event aims to foster collaboration, competition, and a spirit of ingenuity among the region’s brightest minds.
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