By Ibrahim Adeyemo
The University of Ibadan finished as first runner-up at the SPE Africa Annual Student Congress (SAASC), after losing to Obafemi Awolowo University in the final. The competition took place at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, from July 22 to 24, 2026.
The UI team was led by team captain Mubarak Olasunkanmi, alongside Daniel Adesanya, Yesiri Olatigbe, Ugochukwu Kenechukwu, and Delight Erazua. The team earned their spot at the regional congress after winning the PetroBowl competition at the SPE Nigeria Council Students Technical Symposium and Exhibition, where they placed first. The Federal University of Petroleum Resources and the University of Lagos came second and third, respectively, at the national level.
Now in its fourth edition, the congress brought together students, industry leaders, researchers, and energy professionals from across Africa. This year’s theme was “Building a Sustainable Energy Future for Africa: People, Innovation and Technology.” Simon Seaton, SPE’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, and Dr Jennifer Miskimins, SPE’s International President, were both in attendance.
At the regional stage, UI first played against Kyambogo University from Uganda, before moving on to the quarter-finals against the University of Lagos. They then advanced to the semi-finals, where they defeated Mbarara University of Science and Technology, before finally losing to OAU in the championship match.
Speaking on the team’s performance, Olasunkanmi called it a commendable effort, even though they fell short of the top prize.
“Yeah, it was a great run from the team,” he said. “Everyone puts in the effort to be nothing but the best.
He added, “While the result was not what we hoped for, we are glad to have represented the University at the global stage, and yes, we are glad to have secured the first runner-up too.”
