Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), has recorded yet another outstanding academic achievement by securing second position at the 2025 Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Global Challenge Bowl, an international academic competition that brings together the brightest minds in geoscience from leading universities across the world. The prestigious grand finale, held on October 15, 2025, featured 19 top-performing universities representing different continents.
TEAM EKSU earned its ticket to the global stage after emerging as first runner-up in the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Qualifier held in June 2025. At the global event, EKSU distinguished itself among the best, outperforming international institutions, including the University of Colorado (USA), which took third place, while the University of Lagos clinched the overall top prize.
The university’s four-man team, comprising Boluwatife Osasona, Lawrence Blessing, Olajioye Idowu, and Adeniyi Favour, demonstrated exceptional academic brilliance, critical thinking, and teamwork throughout the competition. Their impressive performance placed EKSU in the global spotlight and reaffirmed the institution’s rising academic reputation on the world stage.
In his remarks, Professor Adeyinka Aturamu, Head of the Department of Geology, commended the students for their intellectual excellence and commitment. He also lauded their coordinator, Mr. Matthew Adeniran, and the entire departmental staff for providing guidance, mentorship, and moral support that contributed to the success.
Professor Lawrence Ademilua, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, described the victory as a reflection of the university’s growing academic competitiveness and the quality of its training programmes. He further acknowledged the support of the University’s Management and the Vice-Chancellor, stressing that institutional encouragement was key to nurturing world-class students capable of competing globally.
While hosting the victorious team in his office, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatola Ayodele, congratulated the students for their outstanding performance and for bringing honour to the University and Nigeria at large. He announced that each of the students would receive letters of commendation and valuable gifts as a token of appreciation and motivation for future academic excellence.
Professor Ayodele expressed pride in the students’ achievement, describing it as a clear demonstration of EKSU’s academic strength, innovation, and competitiveness among top global institutions. He urged the team not to rest on their laurels but to continue striving for excellence and leadership in future competitions.
The Vice-Chancellor also extended heartfelt appreciation to the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, for his consistent interventions and contributions to infrastructural and capacity development within the Department of Geology and the university as a whole. According to him, such support has created an enabling environment for academic growth and research advancement.
He reaffirmed the University Management’s commitment to promoting excellence across all faculties by investing in training, research equipment, and international collaboration, which would ensure that EKSU continues to shine in both local and global academic competitions.
The event further highlighted EKSU’s dedication to fostering innovation and knowledge-driven development, particularly in science and technology disciplines, aligning with global educational standards and sustainable development goals.
The 2025 SEG Global Challenge Bowl, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious student competitions in geoscience, tests participants’ mastery of geology, geophysics, and related disciplines through rigorous rounds of intellectual challenges and problem-solving exercises.
EKSU’s outstanding performance at the 2025 competition stands as a major academic milestone in its pursuit of excellence in research and innovation, solidifying its status as one of Africa’s leading higher institutions making significant contributions to the global academic community.
