AVA Securities Limited, a subsidiary of AVA Capital Group, has successfully concluded the second edition of its pioneering AVA Securities Trading Competition—the first real-capital securities trading contest for university students in Nigeria. The initiative provided participating teams with N5 million each to trade live on the Nigerian capital market, equipping students with practical experience in financial decision-making and risk management.
The just-concluded Season Two, launched in September 2024, brought together student teams from ten top Nigerian universities to compete in Nigeria’s dynamic equities market. At the end of the competition, Team Titans from Babcock University emerged as overall champions, beating stiff competition from seasoned contenders across the country.
Coming in as first runner-up was Team Coral from the University of Port Harcourt—the defending champions of Season One—while Team Ivory from the University of Benin clinched the second runner-up position. All three teams were lauded for their intelligent strategies, risk management skills, and seamless teamwork in navigating the unpredictable market terrain.
Speaking on the success of the programme and the announcement of the next edition, Managing Director of AVA Securities Limited, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Adeniji, emphasized the long-term vision behind the initiative.
“This competition is more than just trading—it is about building a financially savvy generation equipped to make smart investment decisions. As the first of its kind in Nigeria, we are proud to continue leading the charge in shaping how young people interact with capital markets,” she said.
Unlike conventional trading contests which often use simulations or demo accounts, the AVA Securities Trading Competition equips selected student teams with N5 million in real capital to trade on the AVA Securities platform. This practical approach allows participants to gain first-hand experience in trading, decision-making under pressure, and adapting to market realities.
Universities represented in Season Two included:
- Babcock University (Team: Titans)
- University of Port Harcourt (Team: Coral)
- University of Benin (Team: Ivory)
- University of Ilorin (Team: Trackers)
- Covenant University (Team: Seekers)
- Pan-Atlantic University (Team: Bulls)
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (Team: Emerald)
- Obafemi Awolowo University (Team: Rangers)
- University of Lagos (Team: Aqua)
- University of Ibadan (Team: Strategist)
Participants demonstrated skill in navigating the ups and downs of Nigeria’s equities market—many doing so for the first time. With guidance from mentors and real-time trading tools, the students developed strategies, learned from losses, and celebrated gains in a contest that blended learning with competition.
Applications for Season Three are scheduled to open this June, with the competition itself set to commence in August 2025. The upcoming edition promises even more excitement with expanded media coverage, mentorship opportunities, leadership development sessions, and tangible rewards, including internships, job offers, and a share of the trading profits.
According to AVA Securities, the competition remains open to 200–500 level students from accredited Nigerian universities across all disciplines, underscoring its inclusivity and interdisciplinary appeal.
As financial literacy becomes increasingly critical in today’s economy, initiatives like the AVA Securities Trading Competition are setting a precedent for hands-on learning and future-oriented education in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
