Three talented students from Covenant University have emerged victorious in the inaugural University Duels Competition, which recently took place in Lagos. The students - Gift Chukwuma, Tioluwani Kayode, and Alero Afinotan, excelled throughout the competition, overcoming prestigious institutions such as the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the University of Lagos, who provided fierce competition in the semi-finals.
In the finals, Covenant University triumphed over Veritas University, Abuja, securing the coveted trophy and a grand prize of 4.5 million Naira.
At the presentation ceremony held at Covenant University’s Senate Building, Mr Oladapo Ojo Chief Content Developer, JustMedia Productions and Founder, the STEMAfrica Initiative, praised the bravery and determination of the Covenant University team. He commended their performance, describing them as ‘gallant lions’ who proved themselves worthy champions of the competition.
Mr. Ojo who was accompanied to Covenant University by Ms. Oluwatosin Tiodunmo, Head of Operations, JustMedia Productions also and Dr. Ore Sofekun Founder & CEO, Foothold Advisors Limited and Consultant at theSTEMAfrica, shared the challenges faced by the organizers, who had to independently contact over 60 universities due to a lack of support from the Nigerian University Commission. Despite these hurdles, the organizers successfully shortlisted candidates from the universities to participate in the competition.
Speaking on the broader purpose of the competition, Mr. Ojo emphasized the growing disconnect between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and the media’s promotion of sensational programs. He expressed concern over the lack of focus on STEM, which he believes should be at the heart of Nigeria's development. The University Duels competition, he explained, was created to address this gap, having evolved from secondary school competitions to now include universities.
Mr. Ojo also expressed his hope that the next edition of the competition would see even greater participation, and wished the winning students continued success in their future endeavors.
Professor Timothy A. Anake, Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, thanked the organizers for their perseverance in creating the competition, especially in a media environment dominated by ill-intentioned programs. He also praised the three victorious students for their exceptional performance and hinted that Covenant University, as a "university of champions," would still win the next edition of the competition.
The ceremony culminated with the presentation of the 4.5 million Naira cheque to the students and their certificates. The trophy was handed over to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anake, by Mr. Oladapo Ojo.
Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Lanre Amodu, Registrar Mr. Emmanuel Igban, Director of CCODEL Dr. Mayowa Agboola, and Dean of Students Mrs. Shola Coker.
