The University Challenge, a programme that seeks to encourage university students hone their problem-solving abilities, has been launched.

It envisions a transformative departure from the conventional approach of obtaining degrees solely for job-seeking purposes - a pursuit that is often limited by the scarcity of job opportunities in a given economy or country.

The focus is on cultivating entrepreneurs and fostering leadership and wealth creation. The University Challenge is a 10-to-13-week inter-university competition, designed to recruit the brains from selected universities across the country, to brainstorm execution solutions to real life challenges of our communities, feeding off the courses they are offered within the schools they attend. 

The essence of this concept lies in encouraging students to embark on business ventures before completing their degrees. Additionally, the initiative promotes the establishment of a comprehensive network platform across all universities, allowing students to recognize the potential of their peers prior to degree acquisition. The premise is clear: students are encouraged to build businesses and create a robust network within the university ecosystem.

The University Challenge spans beyond the traditional academic realm, extending from the development of effective governance structures to the establishment of thriving businesses and industrial platforms. By encouraging this holistic approach, The University Challenge seeks to redefine the purpose of higher education and empower students to become not just job-seekers, but creators of economic opportunities and leaders in their respective fields.

A University Challenge student is expected - alongside a team of their interconnected peers - to develop an incubator for theoretical solutions and apply them to real world problems. 

Requirements for participating in the University Challenge

1. One must be a student of any of the selected schools working with the New Africa Foundation. 

2. One must be selected by the scouting team as an eligible candidate during the casting sessions.

3. One must be smart, entrepreneurial, solutions oriented, a team player, and a leader, amongst others. 

4. One must be selected amongst the top 5 to earn a spot in the team which will represent the school. 

How to participate in The University Challenge

1. Follow The University Challenge on social media, or look out for information of the casting session in your school.

2. Be clear about the casting candidate requirements advertised and prepare accordingly.

3. Join the auditions, impress the scouts and win your spot on the school team.

4. The ideal candidate for The University Challenge is smart, entrepreneurial, solutions driven, resourceful, articulate, and a team player, amongst others. 

What happens when one is selected to represent their school?

Selected candidates will be required to form and brand their teams, brainstorm an execution plan to the task given, give team roles based on the task, and execute the task to their utmost abilities. 

A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 are required for in a team. Up to 50,000 cedis mobilisation funds is allocated to each team. However, to access the funds, each team will have to justify the use of money in order to be released.  The prize money for the winner of the competition is GHS 1,000,000.00

Apart from the Prize Money, what else do competitors stand to get incubation / internship opportunities with New Africa Foundation.

For more on-the-go information on The University Challenge, kindly visit The University Challenge (UniChallengeGh) on all socials, send mail to: info@newafricafoundation.org, or visit www.newafricafoundation.org. The University Challenge is an initiative of the New Africa Foundation. It is time to Aspire, Elevate, and Dominate.