Preliminary draws for University Duel quiz to hold November 17

The draws for the maiden edition of the University Duel have been scheduled for November 17. 

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

In July, 48 students were selected from over 647 applicants from 50 higher institutions—public and private—across Nigeria who participated in a series of tests.

The selected undergraduates represent 16 schools from Nigeria’s four categories of higher institutions: premier, federal, state, and private universities.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) slotted in for the premiers category.

The federal institutions qualified are the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), the University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).

In the category of state universities, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) will be included alongside Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Lagos State University (LASU), and Kaduna State University.

Covenant University, Achievers University, Bells University of Technology, and Veritas University, Abuja, completed the qualification poll for the private universities category.

For the draws, these 16 schools will be drawn into four groups of four teams each. Similar to a football tournament format, schools in each group will participate in a quiz contest that will proceed in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.

The teams will be tested in four key STEM disciplines: applied math, data analysis, verbal reasoning, and general knowledge.

Tosin Tiodunmo, the head of operations at JustMedia Productions, the producers of University Duel and SMART Challenge, described the competition as “a game changer” enabling Nigerian students to use theoretical knowledge in real-world applications.

“The competition is a game changer in recruiting and providing opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming youth population to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world applications. It allows participants to demonstrate academic prowess, innovative thinking, and practical action,” she said.

“This is not just another show. UDSC—University Duel and SMART Challenge has a unique goal: to shape the future of our youth, especially in STEM applications and technology, in ways that drive real impact in their communities.”

The maiden edition of the University Duel is scheduled to kick off on January 25, 2025, across all major TV/ Digital platforms, with the grand finale coming up on March 30, 2025.