STEM: 48 Nigerian students from 16 universities qualify for finals

Forty-eight students from sixteen universities in Nigeria have qualified for university duel finals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to information released by Stem Africa on their website.

Their qualification followed series of tests carried out with 647 participants that showed interest in the competition in more than 50 universities.

Each university is expected to produce four students to fill in the spots available in each category.

The qualifying universities secured their positions by nominating their finest students who vied for the limited slots.

What is University Duel?

According to the organisers, University Duel is an annual contest among top higher institutions.

In the contest, outstanding undergraduates collaborate and compete in critical thinking, problem solving, analytics, sustainable environment, general knowledge and innovations.

The aim is to get students to think out-of-the-box in creating solutions to complex business and societal problems using technology that will impact lives and change the community.

Prizes

The first Prize goes for N1,500,000 for each undergraduate, including a gold trophy for the school

The second prize goes for N500,000 for each undergraduate, as well as a silver trophy for the school.

While the third prize attracts N250,000 for each undergraduate with a bronze trophy that goes to the school.

What are the objectives of STEM?

STEM was designed to:

1. create a platform where Innovators, Inventors, Scientists are discovered, nurtured and celebrated.

2. promote teamwork, mentorship and entrepreneurship that will galvanize growth and development

3. create a healthy cross fertilization of ideas thereby promoting STEM knowledge and application

This rigorous selection process culminated in a total of 16 universities chosen to participate in the prestigious University Duel.

University Duel is an annual competition among Nigeria’s top tertiary institutions.

The primary objective of this event is to foster the application of STEM disciplines in addressing intricate societal and business challenges.

This is done through technology, emphasizing critical thinking, sustainable problem-solving, and analytics.

The outcomes, disclosed on the official website www.thestemafrica.com, revealed that the University of Lagos emerged as the overall winner with an impressive average score of 93.3%.

Following closely behind was Covenant University, Ota, with an average score of 91.3%.

16 Universities qualify for STEM university duel finals in Nigeria
University of Lagos

List of universities that qualified

These results underscored the exemplary performance and dedication of their participating students across various engineering disciplines.

In the Premier Universities category for the upcoming 2024-25 season, leading institutions included:

1. University of Lagos (93.3%),
2. Obafemi Awolowo University (84%),
3. University of Nigeria Nsukka (80.7%), and University of Benin (80%).

Federal Universities

1. University of Ilorin (82.7%),
2. Federal University of Technology, Akure (82%)
3. University of Port-Harcourt (67.3%), and also,
4. Yaba College of Technology (49.3%) also demonstrated notable achievements in the competition.

State Universities

1. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology,
2. Ogbomosho (78.7%),
3. Olabisi Onabanjo University (69.3%),
4. Lagos State University, Ojo (68.7%)
5. and Kaduna State University (67.3%) exhibited commendable performances.

Private Universities

1. Representing the Private Universities were
2. Covenant University, Ota (91.3%),
3. Achievers University, Owo (80.7%),
4. Bells University of Technology, Ota (72.7%), and,
5. Veritas University, Abuja (68.7%), showcasing their competitive spirit and academic prowess in the field of STEM.

Mr. Oladapo Ojo, the Chief Content Developer at JustMedia GMD gave a speech on the performance of these schools.

He said: “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…

“University Duel is a platform that celebrates passion, ingenuity, and dedication of Nigeria’s future STEM leaders.

“This competition will not only highlight the academic excellence within our universities but also fosters 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,” Ojo concluded.

About STEM Africa

STEM Africa is all about various STEM interventions designed to leapfrog Africa into the league of advanced countries using technology, based on information from its website.

It noted: “Africa has a huge youth population that if well harnessed through STEM education, we will be building up the next generation with the right mindset and skills required to transform Africa by CruxDeals & JustMedia.

“CruxDeals is a Technology content-generating company with a special focus on providing solutions to everyday challenges from Education, Food, and lifestyle.

“JustMedia is a content creation, and media marketing company, with a strong focus on education using engaging methods that is rewarding to the students and other stakeholders all along the value chain.

“We curate educational initiatives aimed at supporting the study and application of STEM related subjects for Africans.

“These are made possible by our various partners support.”

STEM Africa expressed conviction that these corporate social responsibilities (CSR) projects will go a long way in redefining the future of Africa and Africans.

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