How Quayum Ali Powered OAU to University Duel final

Quayum Ali, a 300-level student of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has drawn widespread attention on social media for his outstanding performance at the annual university duel competition. 

The University Duel brings together outstanding students from leading institutions to compete in critical thinking, problem-solving, analytics, sustainability, general knowledge, and innovation, with three-member teams advancing from the group stage to the finals.

The 19-year-old’s precision and accuracy created a wide margin between the OAU team and other competing institutions, earning him the highest-scoring individual score in the competition.  

Mr. Ali told Campus Reporter during a phone interview, that the competition is a “battle of wits” and an opportunity to connect with students from other institutions despite the competitiveness of the stage. 

Explaining his team’s fast response, averaging about three seconds, he noted that contestants rely on screen prompts, which allows them to solve problems before the quizmaster reads the question. 

The Making of Excellence

Mr. Ali gave credit for his performance to years of preparation and early exposure to competitive learning. 

“It’s due to intense practice over time, I’ve been doing this since secondary school,” he said

He recalled that he and a close friend at Ota Total Academy, Ogun State, were separated from regular classes for a whole session to focus on mathematics and science in preparation for the competition.

“I feel that exposure to just math and science, without focusing on other subjects, really helped me greatly,” he said.

He referenced participation in competitions, including the Cowbellpedia, where he finished second in the junior category, and InterswitchSPAK.

Reflecting on his performance at this year’s University Duel, he said his approach was more measured compared to the previous edition.

“Last season was more about risk,  but this season was more about being reserved, taking what you know, and only answering when we were sure,” he said.

 “In those moments, I believed in my ability, and I know there’s nothing that can represent me more than my ability, so I kept calm and left it to Allah,” he said

He said the competitive environment heightens his focus. “I also notice I get this level of adrenaline during those times. I’m probably faster when I’m on stage.”

On his composed facial expression during the contest, Mr. Ali said it helps him manage anxiety.

“The serious, expressive game face helps me with anxiety, and everybody experiences stage fright; They’ve just found their own way to deal with it,” he said

Growth, Challenges, and Motivation

Mr Ali said his team’s semi final loss to Covenant University in the previous edition was a turning point .,  

“The third-place finish was sad for us because we looked much better to win last year’s edition.”

He said  the disappointment made them level up, become calmer more decisive, better prepared.

He said his motivation is driven by a desire to excel, and demonstrate the result of the years of effort. 

He acknowledged his team lost because they were not good enough, however, this year his team proved they were the best.

Preparations for the competition, he explained, include studying the official syllabus, reviewing past editions, analysing other team games and conducting research. 

While acknowledging more challenging games coming his team’s way, he describes the recent comeback win against Covenant University: “It’s great. I can still feel it in my spine. Electric. That is the level we need to maintain, even though we can do much, much better. “

Describing the recent come back victory against Covenant University, he said “It’s great. I can still feel it in my spine. Electric. That is the level we need to maintain, even though we can do much, much better”

Mr Ali highlighted the challenge of balancing academic work with the competition preparation, adding that his team had to prepare for exams while preparing for the contest.

He said prayers and composure have been central to their mental preparation.

Despite the public  attention, Mr Ali said he remains focused  on self improvement

“Even with this attention, I am not close to my ideal version. I just have to push myself to the highest level I have to be.”

He credited his parents for shaping  his academic journey and providing consistent support. He  praised strength of his teammates, describing them as “resourceful, brilliant minds” adding that he continues to learn from them.