Encomium
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) was officially honored as the first runner-up of the University Duel 2026 this week, following a historic run to the grand finale in Lagos. Represented by Faith Alabetun, Matthew Ogundoyin, and Akinola Olulakin, the “Future-Ready” trio secured a N1.5 million prize after navigating a field of 62 universities to face eventual champions, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
FUTA’s journey to the podium was defined by a ruthless five-round unbeaten streak, including a dominant 41-24 opening victory against UNILAG and a nail-biting 37-35 quarter-final win over LAUTECH. This 2026 season marked a massive expansion from the inaugural 2025 edition, where Covenant University took the crown, signaling a shift in the national leaderboard toward specialized technology institutions.
Emphasizing the role of STEM in Nigeria’s evolving economy, partners highlighted that these competitions serve as a vital talent pipeline. Kiyeah Ushi, the Analyst Platform Management, MTN Nigeria said, ‘As an Organization, We are proud to stand with University Duel on this initiative. It reflects something we care deeply about; giving young people real opportunities to grow, compete, and succeed.’
The tactical gauntlet tested students in Applied Mathematics, Data Analysis, General Knowledge, and Verbal Reasoning through the high-pressure Quick Buzz and Brain Match phases. Reflecting on the intensity of the FUTA-OAU showdown, a panelist noted: ‘We have seen a display out of this world; FUTA showed massive depth and discipline, qualities that will shape their next steps in the digital space.’
While OAU’s Alli Abdul-Quayum led his team to a record 107-point finish, FUTA’s Faith was widely praised for his composure under pressure, particularly during the collaborative Pickbox rounds. The university’s leadership, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Taiwo Amos, affirmed that the institution continues to train students to uphold the spirit of excellence and integrity across the country.
This 2026 edition successfully bridged the gap between theoretical excellence and real-world application, engaging 186 of Nigeria’s top undergraduates. As the curtains close on this season, the University Duel has cemented its status as the premier platform for discovering the next generation of system architects, web developers, and innovators essential for Nigeria’s technological self-sufficiency. Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
