TV quiz show, formerly known as Celtel Africa Challenge and later Zain Africa Challenge that ran from 2005-2008 is set to make a comeback in late 2025 under its new name, University Challenge Africa. The competition will feature the brightest students from universities across Africa, competing in a televised question-and-answer game show.
Richard Reid, the game’s creator and producer, shared his excitement, “We are proud to bring back our iconic game under the new name, University Challenge Africa. With education as a top priority across the continent, we are committed to working with our broadcast partners and sponsors to highlight the academic accomplishments of Africa’s students and universities.”
Nigeria holds a special place in the competition’s history, famously winning the third season when the University of Ibadan students secured victory.
University Challenge Africa offers students an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills against peers from across the continent, with a chance to win over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants.
In previous versions of the competition, universities from eight African countries participated. The new format promises return participation from Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa in 2025, and invitations extended to universities from several other countries.
Reflecting on the programme’s past success, Tito Alai, former Group Chief Commercial Officer of Celtel and Zain Group, remarked “The Africa Challenge was a strategic marketing and CSR investment, reflecting our commitment to education, enriching students’ lives, and boosting the reputations of participating institutions.”
University Challenge Africa, the Inter-University Battle of Brains is a member of the family of academic competitions created by the College Bowl Company which is a part of academic communities around the world. They produce programs such as the US College Bowl, the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, and the British quiz show University Challenge.
The University Challenge Africa plans to have its return to the screens in 2025.
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