Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has once again proven its academic excellence by emerging as the first runner-up in the 2024/2025 CFA Institute Research Challenge. The prestigious competition featured 26 Universities nationwide, providing a platform for aspiring financial analysts to showcase their expertise in equity research.

With Dr. Quadri Lawal as Faculty Adviser, the OAU team of 6 brilliant students comprising: Salawu Rukayat Enitan, Computer Science department; Adelakun Rotimi Victor, Economics department; Oladepo Victor Ayobami, Economics department; Adesina Jubril Olamilekan, Management and Accounting department; Jaji Faizah Ololade, Management and Accounting department; and Adewoyin Joy Josephine, Demography and Social Statistics department- impressed the judges with their rigorous analysis and presentation on Presco Plc, earning them a well-deserved spot among the top contenders. Their exceptional performance allowed them to represent Nigeria at the EMEA Sub-Regional competition, highlighting the University’s strength in finance and investment education.

In a statement celebrating this achievement, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, commended Dr. Quadri Lawal for his sterling contributions to the success of the team, and further expressed immense pride in the students’ dedication and intellectual prowess. He described their performance as a testament to the high standards of academic excellence upheld at OAU.

“I am extremely proud of our students for their remarkable performance at the CFA Institute Research Challenge. Their hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence have brought honor to the University. I congratulate them wholeheartedly and urge them to maintain this standard as they advance to the next stage of the competition,” Professor Bamire stated.

He commended the CFA Society Nigeria and Zenith Bank Plc, the event’s sponsor, for their efforts in providing a platform that nurtures and recognizes the talents of young financial analysts in Nigeria.

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is a globally recognized competition that tests University students’ abilities in financial analysis, report writing, and presentation skills. The Nigerian edition serves as a gateway for outstanding students to gain international exposure and represent the country at higher levels of the competition.

With this achievement, Obafemi Awolowo University continues to solidify its reputation as a leading institution in finance education, producing graduates who are well-prepared to excel in the global financial industry.