Ekiti State University (EKSU) has achieved a remarkable feat by securing the first runner-up position at the 2025 Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Sub-Saharan African Students’ Conference and Challenge Bowl, held from June 23 to June 25, 2025.
The prestigious competition, which drew participation from 15 institutions across Sub-Saharan Africa, showcased EKSU’s academic excellence in geoscience studies.
The SEG Challenge Bowl, a highlight of the conference, tested participants’ knowledge through a rigorous three-stage quiz on geoscience. EKSU’s team, consisting of 300-level Geophysics students Boluwatife Osasona and Lawrence Blessing, with support from Olayioye Idowu Iyanuoluwa, demonstrated exceptional skill by advancing through the first two stages to secure a spot among the top five institutions.
The team ultimately clinched the second position, earning a $60 prize, behind the University of Lagos, which took first place, and ahead of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, which placed third.
The top three institutions will advance to the global final, with the date to be announced later. The achievement was guided by the coordination of Prof. Adeyinka Aturamu and Mr. M. A. Adeniran from EKSU’s Department of Geophysics.
EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatola Ayodele, celebrated the accomplishment, commending the students and staff for upholding the university’s reputation for excellence. “EKSU is known for honour and academic distinction, and this achievement further promotes our institution on the global stage,” he stated.
This milestone underscores EKSU’s commitment to fostering talent and advancing geoscience education in Africa, positioning the university as a key player in the field.
Below is the official press release:
EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY,
ADO – EKITI.
Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs.
5th July, 2025.
PRESS RELEASE
EKSU EMERGES AS THE FIRST RUNNER UP IN THE 2025 SEG SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN STUDENTS’ CONFERENCE AND CHALLENGE BOWL
Ekiti State University, Ado- Ekiti (EKSU), has emerged as the first runner-up in the just concluded 2025 version of the annual Sub-Saharan African Students’ Conference and Challenge Bowl of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG).
The quiz which was held between Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th June, 2025 had about 15 participating institutions from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti. Part of the winding off activities was the Challenge Bowl, a tough competition based on Geoscience studies, while several other institutions could not make it to the final stage.
The Challenge Bowl involved three stages. While various institutions dropped out, EKSU team was able to scale through the first and the second stages, thus, securing a slot among the top five.
The top three (3) institutions: University of Lagos, Ekiti State University and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana will proceed to the Global final at a date to be announced later.
The prizes for winning the Sub-Saharan region are:
- First position -$100
- Second position -$60
- Third position – $40
The students that represented EKSU in the competition are: Boluwatife Osasona and Lawrence Blessing, both 300 level students of the Department of Geophysics, while Olayioye Idowu Iyanuoluwa assisted the duo.
Prof. Adeyinka Aturamu and Mr M. A Adeniran coordinated the students for the competition.
The Vice- Chancellor, Professor Babatola Ayodele, while receiving the news of the students’ outstanding performance, congratulated the staff and students of the department, as well as the University community at large on this feat. He reiterated that EKSU is known for excellence and honour which would be maintained to further promote the the university globally.
Bode Olofinmuagun, anipr
Deputy Registrar/Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs.
