In the heart of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where innovation meets ambition, one name has become synonymous with creativity, determination, and ground-breaking invention: Motunrayo Sanyaolu. As the first recipient of UNILAG’s prestigious Engineering Spirit Award, Motunrayo has not only redefined what it means to be an engineer but has also inspired a generation of young innovators to dream big and build boldly.
Motunrayo’s journey began long before she stepped into UNILAG’s Faculty of Engineering. From a young age, she was fascinated by how things worked, often dismantling household appliances to understand their mechanics. Her passion for innovation was further ignited by the animated film Big Hero 6, which introduced her to the world of robotics and futuristic inventions. This early spark eventually led her to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering, where she quickly distinguished herself as a force to be reckoned with.
By her third year, Motunrayo had already made waves on campus. She collaborated with lecturers on tech projects, mentored fellow students, and even published a book aimed at inspiring young engineers to take their first steps into innovation. Her book, downloaded by over 150 students, became a guide for cultivating curiosity, creativity, and technical skills—filling a gap in the traditional engineering curriculum.
One of Motunrayo’s most remarkable achievements is her low-cost, battery-powered heating blanket, designed to address the critical issue of neonatal hypothermia in underfunded clinics. With a staggering 62% of new-borns in Nigeria affected by hypothermia due to inadequate incubators, her invention offers a practical, off-grid solution. Priced at less than ₦50,000 ($32), the heating blanket has the potential to replace risky alternatives like hot water bottles, which often lead to burns for both babies and nurses.
Motunrayo’s dedication to this project is a testament to her commitment to solving real-world problems. Initially developed with a team of four, she continued refining the design on her own, driven by a desire to make a tangible impact. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; she is currently collaborating with fellow students to prepare the blanket for clinical trials, with hopes of securing funding to bring it to market.
Beyond her ground-breaking heating blanket, Motunrayo’s creativity knows no bounds. She is also working on a laser gun prototype inspired by the popular game Call of Duty. This ambitious project, which combines hardware and software, showcases her ability to blend technical expertise with imaginative thinking.
Her passion for innovation extends beyond her own projects. As a technical support staff member at UNILAG’s design studio, she helps other students bring their ideas to life, providing access to 3D printers, development kits, and a wealth of components. Her vision for the future includes establishing her own innovation hub—a space where anyone with an idea can find the resources and support to turn it into reality.
Motunrayo’s achievements are not just about her inventions; they are about her ability to inspire others. Her humility, work ethic, and infectious passion for experimentation have earned her the admiration of peers and mentors alike. As her friend Emmanuel Awolowo puts it, “She pushes everyone to do more and make the extra effort.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that innovation is not confined to labs or tech giants—it can emerge from determination, resourcefulness, and a desire to make a difference. Motunrayo’s journey is a beacon of hope for young Nigerians, especially women in STEM, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.
As Motunrayo continues to refine her inventions and mentor the next generation of engineers, her vision for the future remains clear: to master her craft, gain hands-on experience in the IoT space, and eventually establish her own innovation hub. Her ultimate goal is to create a world where anyone with an idea has the tools and support to bring it to life.
Motunrayo Sanyaolu is more than an engineer; she is a trailblazer, a problem-solver, and a source of inspiration. Her story is a celebration of ingenuity, resilience, and the transformative power of technology. As we honour her achievements, we are reminded that the future of innovation lies in the hands of passionate, determined individuals like her.
