Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has unveiled its own smartphone and smartwatch brand, OAK-io, during the Symposium on AI & Robotics in Clinical Practice. The event highlighted the university’s growing drive toward technology-led innovation in healthcare, education, and national development.
OAK-io is a spin-off company from OAU’s ICT-Driven Knowledge Park, created to deliver smart devices tailored to Africa’s fast-evolving digital and AI landscape. The launch marks a major milestone in the university’s efforts to transform academic research into market-ready technological products.
The newly introduced OAK-io smartphones and smartwatches are designed for Africa’s needs, featuring AI-enabled tools, strong data security, durability, and affordability. The devices also integrate health-monitoring capabilities and smart-learning features suited for students, professionals, and institutions.
According to university officials, the OAK-io initiative demonstrates OAU’s commitment to leading innovation from within academia, bridging the gap between research and real-world application. The products are expected to support both clinical practice and broader digital transformation across sectors.
The launch positions OAU as a key contributor to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, showcasing the institution’s capacity to develop homegrown solutions that address local challenges while aligning with global technological trends.