
Babcock Innovation & Ventures is the commercialization engine of Babcock University — transforming academic research into startups, licensed technologies and industry partnerships that drive economic growth across Africa.
To transform Babcock University's research and intellectual capital into commercially viable innovations, startups and industry solutions that create economic value and solve Africa's most pressing challenges.
To be Africa's leading university innovation and venture ecosystem — a place where every research breakthrough finds its path to market and every student entrepreneur finds the support to build a world-class company.

The Unified Commercialisation Engine
Babcock Innovation & Ventures (BIV) succeeds both RIIC and BEDC as the single, unified commercialisation engine of Babcock University. BIV does not replace what came before; it elevates it. The institutional rigour of RIIC's research and IP infrastructure, and the entrepreneurial energy of BEDC's student venture ecosystem, are now integrated under one governance structure, one strategic mandate, and one brand.
BIV operates a structured dual-lane model: an Institutional Innovation Lane — where faculty research outputs are screened, validated, and packaged for licensing, spin-offs, and publication — and a Venture Creation Lane — where student-led ideas and faculty ventures are incubated into investable companies through BIV's accelerator tracks and pilot fund.
Institutional Innovation Lane
Research → Licensing, Spin-offs, Publication
Venture Creation Lane
Ideas → Incubation → Investable Companies
Innovation Hub
Venture Studio
Research Commercialization Desk
Institutional Innovation Lane
(Academic-driven solutions)
Research outputs from faculty and graduate programs are screened, validated, and packaged for licensing, spin-offs, and publication.
Venture Creation Lane
(Market-driven startups)
Student-led ideas and faculty ventures are incubated into investable companies through BIV's accelerator tracks and pilot fund.
The 14-member governing body providing strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for Babcock Innovation & Ventures.

Chairman, BIV Board · President/Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University
Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole is the President/Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University and Chairman of the BIV Board. Providing visionary leadership at the intersection of faith, excellence, and innovation, he ensures BIV's mission is fully aligned with the University's long-term academic and developmental goals.

Co-Chair, BIV Board of Directors
Dr. Raymond Okoro is a seasoned digital transformation leader with nearly two decades as CIO/CTO across enterprise, government, and academic sectors. As Co-Chair of the BIV Board and Founding CTO of The Colligate Enterprises, he has architected systems impacting 60M+ users, trained 4,000+ professionals, and led digital strategy for 20+ organisations across 5 countries. His expertise spans AI-driven enterprise intelligence, ERP architecture, compliance platforms, and scalable systems that turn data into strategic decisions.

Project Coordinator, BIV Board
Engr. Charles Nnaji serves as Project Coordinator on the BIV Board, overseeing the execution of BIV's strategic initiatives. He is also MD of Visionspec Nigeria Limited, a licensed Microsoft Partner, with deep expertise in AI, Cloud Computing, and enterprise digital transformation.

Industry Tech Accelerator, BIV
Arvind Ravishunkar is a San Francisco-based technology executive specialising in AI innovation, accelerators, and digital strategy. He leads AI Ventures & Innovation at BITSoM (BITS School of Management) and is Founder/CEO of Lenz AI Innovation Studio. As BIV's Industry Tech Accelerator, he bridges Silicon Valley's innovation ecosystem with Babcock's emerging venture pipeline.

Academic Systems Architecture & Curriculum Innovation, BIV Board
Dr. Ernest Onuiri leads DAP and Curriculum Design on the BIV Board, ensuring that innovation and entrepreneurship are deeply embedded into Babcock's academic frameworks and programme delivery.

Technical Secretary, BIV Board
Dr. Izang Aaron serves as Technical Secretary to the BIV Board, coordinating board operations, documentation, and technical communications across BIV's innovation programmes.

Deputy Director, RIIC · BIV Board
Dr. Anokwuru Chinedu serves as Deputy Director of the Research & Innovation Centre for Computing (RIIC), bridging cutting-edge computing research with BIV's commercialisation and startup pipeline.

Director, BEDC · BIV Board
Dr. Ajibade Ayodeji directs the Babcock Entrepreneurship & Development Centre (BEDC), championing student-led ventures and career pathways that connect innovation to industry.

Staff Inclusiveness Coordinator, BIV Board | Professor of Computer Science
Prof. 'Shade Kuyoro is a Professor of Computer Science at Babcock University and a leading AI researcher specialising in machine learning, data intelligence, and intelligent systems. As Staff Inclusiveness Coordinator on the BIV Board, she ensures BIV's innovation ecosystem remains equitable, diverse, and accessible to all Babcock communities.

Engineering & Media Team, BIV Board
The Amber Team serves as the technical and media production unit for BIV, managing broadcast, communications infrastructure, and digital engineering support across BIV's events, platforms, and programmes.

AVP, Finance · BIV Board
Mr. Olajide John serves as Assistant Vice President of Finance on the BIV Board, overseeing financial governance, budget management, and investment reporting for BIV's portfolio of innovation programmes.

Cybersecurity Advisor, BIV Board · Founder/CVO, Digital Encode Limited
Prof. OPA Peter Obadare is a world-renowned Nigerian cybersecurity expert, technology entrepreneur, and Founder/CVO of Digital Encode Limited. He serves as Cybersecurity Advisor on the BIV Board, bringing unparalleled expertise in digital trust and cyber resilience to Babcock's innovation ecosystem.

Technical Secretary II, BIV Board
Dr. Jerry Kwarbai serves as Technical Secretary II to the BIV Board, supporting the coordination of board technical affairs, documentation, and strategic implementation oversight alongside the primary Technical Secretary.

Governing Council Member & Creative Technology Advisor, BIV Board · Professor, Graphic & Multimedia, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Prof. Joseph Izang Azi serves on the BIV Governing Council and is a Professor in the Graphic & Multimedia Unit, Department of Industrial Design at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He brings deep expertise in computer graphics, animation, and multimedia systems — bridging creative design with computational technology to drive innovation in visual communication and digital content creation.
Specialist operational units supporting the BIV Board
Industry leaders, technology companies and institutions supporting Babcock Innovation & Ventures.
Babcock University
Host Institution
Technology Partner
Amazon Web Services
Cloud Infrastructure Partner
Microsoft
Enterprise Tech Partner
MTN Nigeria
Telecom & Connectivity
Airtel Nigeria
Telecom & Digital Services
Access Bank
Banking & Finance Partner
eTransact
Payment Solutions Partner
Flutterwave
Payment Infrastructure
Andela
Tech Talent & Training
Visionspec Nigeria
ICT & AI Solutions
NITDA
Government Tech Agency
The Colligate Enterprises
Strategic Innovation Partner
Whether you're a researcher, investor, industry partner or student — we'd love to hear from you.
Browse our curated answers on who BIV is, what it does, and who can join — all in one place.