UNILAG Emerges Overall Champion at 2025 NAPE Basin Evaluation Competition

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has once again demonstrated its leadership in academic excellence and research, emerging as overall champion at the 2025 Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Basin Evaluation Competition (BEC).

The competition, which commenced in July 2025 and culminated during the NAPE Annual International Conference from November 9–13, brought together 26 universities nationwide. After months of rigorous analysis, five universities advanced to the finals: UNILAG, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), and the University of Ibadan (UI).

The UNILAG team worked with a complex dataset from the Deep Offshore Niger Delta, expertly interpreting seismic and well data, identifying technically sound leads and prospects, and delivering practical exploration recommendations. Their final presentation on November 10 impressed the judges with exceptional clarity, depth, and technical mastery, securing their top position.

The UNILAG team members were:

• Akande Habib Opeyemi
• Demilade Kolawole-Jacobs
• Ewherido Ogheneruona
• Supported by Akindele Akindimeji, whose contributions were pivotal to the team’s success.

At the awards ceremony on November 13, UNILAG received a ₦1,500,000 cash prize, while the first and second runners-up, University of Ibadan and Akwa Ibom State University, received ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively.

Special commendations were extended to UNILAG’s industrial mentor, Mr. K. Uzoma, student advisers Dr. T. Omeru and Dr. O. Y. Adeogun, the Head of the Department of Geosciences, Prof. L. Adeoti, and the entire academic and non-academic staff who supported the students.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade T. Ogunsola also received accolades for her visionary leadership, which continues to foster innovation, research excellence, and a high-performing student culture.

This victory not only cements UNILAG’s status as a powerhouse in geosciences training, but also showcases the talent, discipline, and ingenuity thriving within the University’s academic community.