A cross-disciplinary team of students from the University of Ilorin, Team MedLex AI, has emerged as the overall champion at the National AI Justice Hackathon 2026, clinching the ultimate ₦1,000,000 cash prize.
The intellectual contest, themed “AI for Access to Justice: Bridging the Justice Gap in Nigeria,” was held penultimate Thursday (September 17, 2026) at the Court of Appeal Hall, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The hackathon was organised to commemorate the 80th birthday of a retired Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Sotonye Denton-West by her 80th Birthday Planning Committee, in partnership with Rivers State judicial community.
The UNILORIN contingent beat several legal-tech innovators from across the nation by building an innovative WhatsApp-based AI chatbot named MedLex AI, which was designed to provide instant legal aid to users.
The innovation helps everyday Nigerians navigate complex regulatory frameworks seamlessly, offering direct guidance on workplace injuries, medical negligence, and health insurance disputes.
The victorious Team MedLex AI led by Oluwatoyin Folukemisola Ogunleye of Physiotherapy Department, stood out for its unique, cross-departmental composition drawn from five disciplines. Other members of the team of the innovators are Obasanjo Toheeb Abdulsamod from Law; Oluwasemilore Shalom Timothy from Accounting; Khadijah Mosope Atanda from Nursing; and Osarukpa Naomi Akonedo from Physiotherapy.