Forty-eight students from 16 higher institutions in Nigeria have qualified for the finals of the maiden edition of University Duel. 

University Duel is a competition for undergraduates to test their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

The 48 students were selected from 167 applicants from over 50 higher institutions — public and private — across Nigeria who participated in a series of tests.

The qualified schools earned their qualifications after presenting their top students in science, technology and innovation. The students competed for the four available spots per category.

According to the results, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), represented by Ogunyemi Oluwatobi, Mulero Raphael, and Okeke John-Paul, took the overall top spot with an average score of 93.3 percent. Covenant University, represented by Chukwuma Gift, Kayode Toluwani and Afinotan Alero, placed second with an average score of 91.3 percent.

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) scored 84 percent, the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) earned 82.7 percent, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) gathered 82 percent, while the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) had 80.7 percent.

Other qualified schools are the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Lagos State University (LASU), Kaduna State University, Achievers University, Bells University of Technology and Veritas University, Abuja.

Oladapo Ojo, chief content developer at DM Holdings and executive producer of University Duel, said television stations nationwide will air the finals.

“We are incredibly proud of the performances of the students on the University Duel 2024-25 who have demonstrated outstanding intellectual prowess and hard work to reach the finals, which will be filled with a great learning experience for all as this will be beamed live on TV/Digital,” he said.

“University Duel is a platform that celebrates the passion, ingenuity, and dedication of Nigeria’s future STEM leaders. This competition will not only highlight the academic excellence within our universities but also foster a spirit of camaraderie and prepare students towards a great career after graduation. University Duel will also connect with the alumni and the general public, thereby producing the next generation of scientists, engineers and Innovators.”

The date for the commencement of the competition is yet to be announced.

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