Forvis Mazars, a professional services network, says it has hosted its first hackathon to empower tech talents to tackle challenges through technology.
According to the firm, the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to empowering communities and fostering innovation.
Speaking at the event, the Partner at Forvis Mazars, Adams Osamudiame, said, “The event aligns with our goal of capacitating people and communities by leveraging their ideas and resources. It was a platform to engage diverse talents, including students and professionals, to generate innovative solutions that could translate into viable business opportunities.”
Osamudiame emphasised the importance of extending the impact of the hackathon beyond the event:
“These ideas shouldn’t just end here. Our goal is to develop them into market-ready products that can benefit participants, clients, and the broader community,” he added.
The winning Team Genie, consisting of Sodiq Bolawale, Aishah Abdulwaheed, and Babatunde Mumuni, won the top prize of $1,000 with a score of 78.54 per cent for their AI-driven chatbot aimed at simplifying the auditing process.
The team emphasised how their product integrates AI to streamline data retrieval and reduce the stress and time of audits, positioning Nigerian audit firms at the forefront of technological innovation.
Despite tight deadlines and diverse academic backgrounds, the team overcame challenges through effective collaboration and credited their mentors for valuable guidance.
Also, Team Smart Audit, first runner-up with a score of 71.34 per cent, earned $600 for automating financial document analysis. The team, led by Chidi-Akoma Chikamso, Chibukem Chiagoziem Anyanwu, and Ejelonu Benedict, faced technical hurdles but delivered a solution to make auditing more efficient. Team Kainos, also scoring 71.34 per cent, earned $400 for their efforts.
As one of the judges, the Head of the Computer Science Department at Babcock University, Dr Seun Ebiesuwa, said, “Auditing in Nigeria has been a cumbersome process, often lacking transparency and accountability. The solutions presented here have the potential to revolutionise the field, making it more efficient and accessible.”
Ebiesuwa commended Team Genie for their structured approach and seamless presentation, emphasising the need for continuous innovation.
“While these solutions address current issues, they will also create new challenges, underscoring the importance of sustained innovation to meet evolving needs,” Ebiesuwa added.
He encouraged future participants to identify real-world problems early and prepare diligently.
Ebiesuwa stated that innovation starts with a clear understanding of the problems, and it is the creation of tailored solutions based on real-world needs that foster meaningful change.
He emphasised that the Forvis Mazars hackathon sets a strong precedent for future events, showcasing the potential of Nigerian talent to solve pressing challenges through technology.
