An 18-year-old Nigerian undergraduate is drawing international attention after clinching one of the tech world’s most respected honours. Izuafa Abdulrafiu, a 300-level Software Engineering student at Veritas University, Abuja, has been named a Microsoft Most Valuable Player (MVP), earning him an exclusive invitation to a global summit in the United States.
Abdulrafiu’s MVP recognition came on the heels of a major academic triumph. He secured first place at the Africa First AI-Powered Inter-University Quizathon — a competitive event that saw over 7,000 participants from more than 150 Nigerian universities. The quiz, which followed Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) approved curriculum, tested participants on a wide range of computing and AI-related subjects.
His achievement didn’t just turn heads abroad. It sparked a ripple effect at home. Veritas University, a private Catholic institution founded by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, responded by hosting a national conference for the National Association of Computer Engineering Students (NACES). The event, themed “Disrupt, Create, and Repeat”, brought together young innovators, investors, and techpreneurs from across the country.
Creating Opportunities Through Disruption
The conference became a hub for collaboration, with students showcasing various digital and technological projects. While industry stakeholders explored how to transform raw tech talent into viable enterprises, the spotlight remained on youth-driven innovation.
“Disrupt, Create, and Repeat” wasn’t just a catchy theme — it reflected the university’s broader ambition to encourage students like Abdulrafiu to see beyond the classroom and into real-world tech entrepreneurship.
Now, with a Microsoft MVP badge and a ticket to the prestigious US-based Global Summit, Abdulrafiu represents a new generation of African tech leaders ready to compete on the global stage. His journey shows how local efforts and international platforms can combine to spotlight untapped potential.
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