The much-anticipated University Duel and Smart Challenge 2024 kicked off this week, bringing together the brightest minds from 16 Nigerian universities to showcase their expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The competition, which blends academic knowledge with real-world problem-solving, provides Nigerian undergraduates with a platform to demonstrate their skills in both theoretical and practical applications of STEM.
Speaking on Sunday, CEO of Foothold Advisors and a key consultant for the event, the University Duel and Smart Challenge, Dr Ore Sofekun, said the competition aimed to inspire students to use their academic learning to address societal challenges through innovative technology.
“The University Duel and Smart Challenge consist of two key parts: The first focuses on testing students’ knowledge in STEM subjects, such as mathematics, data analytics, verbal reasoning, and general knowledge. The second part challenges them to apply what they’ve learned by solving real-world problems using technology. This is not just about competition, but about empowering students to see how they can use their education for the betterment of society.”
She revealed that the process of selecting participants for the competition began earlier this year.
She added, “50 Nigerian universities participated in the selection, where students took a national computer-based test. The top-performing students were ranked and grouped into four categories: premier universities, federal universities, state universities, and private universities.
“The students are now facing off in a quiz competition over the next few days.”
Sofekun described the quiz as “highly competitive,” with contestants being tested on a range of subjects, saying they have to be quick on the buzzer and accurate with their answers as the competition would be intense, and only the best will make it through.”
She explained that in addition to the quiz, students had been tasked with a critical challenge; identifying a problem in their local community and proposing a solution using technology.
