Dubbed “the Smart, Bold, Brainy, Savvy, Mango Master,” Valor was praised for its precision in classifying mango ripeness — a challenge that plagues agricultural stakeholders worldwide. The AI-powered application leverages computer vision and deep learning to evaluate fruit quality, helping farmers, vendors, and consumers avoid losses caused by spoilage or premature harvesting.
The award-winning team comprises Harmony Abayomi, a final-year Software and Computer Vision Engineer; Nwachukwu Chibuzor, a 400-level Data and AI Engineer; and Efod Freda, a 400-level Data Analyst. Their shared vision was to address a widespread but often overlooked agricultural problem: accurately determining when a mango is ripe.
“Detecting ripeness and spoilage in mangoes remains a significant challenge,” the team explained. “Overripe fruits result in waste, while underripe ones fail to satisfy consumer expectations. Traditional visual inspections are inconsistent and subjective. Valor offers a scientific, scalable solution.”
Caleb University’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Adewale, celebrated the students’ achievement, describing it as a landmark moment in the university’s growing reputation for innovation.
“Caleb University has become a colossal hub for innovation and academic excellence,” he said. “The success of Valor exemplifies our dedication to nurturing practical, real-world solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Adeniyi Akanni, Head of the Computer Science Department, and Team Coordinator Mr. Ajala, lauded the application as a “sophisticated web and mobile solution” that brings together artificial intelligence, machine learning, and agriculture.
“This project is a powerful illustration of how Caleb University students are applying frontier technologies to real-world problems,” they said. “By addressing food waste and enhancing produce quality assessment, Valor contributes to broader global efforts in sustainable agriculture and food security.”
As agriculture increasingly intersects with digital innovation, Valor stands out as a promising tool in the move toward smarter food systems. With its success at the Hackathon, the team has not only secured accolades but also sparked a conversation on the role of AI in transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape.