OAU wins 2026 University Duel Competition, receives N3m prize as participants earn scholarships

Education, Technology

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has emerged winner of the 2026 University Duel Competition, defeating contestants from 61 other universities in a nationwide contest designed to promote excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The competition, which lasted 11 weeks, featured 186 students drawn from 62 universities across Nigeria and tested participants in Applied Mathematics, Data Analysis, Verbal Reasoning, and General Knowledge.

The University Duel is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading academic competitions aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and technology leaders.

Speaking during the award presentation ceremony at the OAU campus, founder of the STEM Africa Initiative, Mr. Oladapo Ojo, called on African countries, particularly Nigeria, to transition from being consumers of technology to becoming creators and developers of homegrown solutions.

According to him, sustainable development on the continent will depend largely on the ability of young people to harness science, innovation, and technology to solve local challenges.

“If Africa and Nigeria are to move forward, we must go beyond consuming technology to developing our own,” Ojo said.

He noted that the competition was established to inspire students to appreciate the practical value of STEM education and its role in driving economic transformation.

Ojo also commended telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria for supporting the initiative, describing the company as a key partner in efforts to promote STEM learning and innovation among Nigerian youths.

“MTN Nigeria identified with this initiative and supported it as a proud sponsor. The goal is to drive change across Africa by enabling young people to see the benefits of STEM and its transformative potential in their lives,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, OAU’s Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. John Odedire, described the victory as a significant milestone for the institution.

He recalled that OAU finished third in the inaugural edition of the competition in 2025 but returned this year to claim the overall title.

According to him, the university achieved a rare feat by winning both the University Duel Competition and the Smart Challenge competition in the same year.

“What we are celebrating today is a double victory. This is the first time an institution has won both the University Duel and the Smart Challenge competitions in one sweep,” Odedire said.

Participants who benefited from the competition also praised the initiative for providing a platform that rewards academic excellence and encourages innovation.

One of the award recipients, Quayum Alli, said the programme demonstrated the importance of private sector investment in education and skills development.

He noted that beyond financial rewards, the competition offered students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to practical challenges and prepare for future careers in science and technology.

“It is encouraging to see a company like MTN genuinely invest in students, not only by providing digital skills for the future but also by helping bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application,” he said.

Another recipient, Adesina Lekan, called for increased awareness and publicity for future editions of the competition to encourage broader participation from students across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that MTN Nigeria awarded N3 million to the winners of the University Duel Competition and N1 million to the champions of the Smart Challenge competition.

In addition to the cash prizes, winners also received scholarship opportunities and other academic support packages aimed at advancing their educational and professional development.

Organisers expressed optimism that the competition would continue to inspire excellence in STEM education and contribute to building a highly skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s digital and technological future.