By Faith Ajewole
The University of Ibadan has continued its remarkable run at the University DUEL 2026, securing a place in the semi-finals after defeating four institutions in succession in the highly competitive STEM-based contest.
Since its debut appearance in the competition, UI has displayed consistent academic excellence, recording victories against Caleb University, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), and most recently, the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
In a decisive quarter-final clash held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, the University of Ibadan faced the University of Benin and delivered its most emphatic performance yet, cruising to a 57–10 victory. The win not only extended UI’s unbeaten run to four matches but also sealed its qualification for the semi-finals, where it will compete alongside three other top-performing universities.
UI’s campaign began on Sunday, February 7, 2026, with a commanding 24–6 win over Caleb University in the preliminary stage. Building on this momentum, the team delivered another dominant performance against LAUTECH, defeating the institution 46–24 to advance to the next round. UI sustained its form on Saturday, March 7, 2026, overpowering YABATECH with a 42–22 scoreline to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Representing UI in the competition are Akinnagbe Samuel, a 300-level Mechanical Engineering student; Olutayo Abayomi Elijah, a 200-level Medicine and Surgery student; and Oluwole Emmanuel Adeolu, a 300-level Industrial and Production Engineering student. The trio earned their spots through a rigorous Computer-Based Test (CBT) selection process.
Organised by STEM Africa, the University DUEL is an annual academic competition designed to test the intellectual capacity of Nigerian undergraduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Participants are assessed on critical thinking, speed, and the practical application of knowledge across multiple disciplines.
With four consecutive victories and growing confidence, the University of Ibadan now sets its sights on the semi-finals, as it continues its pursuit of the championship title in what has become a defining outing at University DUEL 2026.
