Battle of wits: Ultimate University Quiz is back!

When opportunity meets preparation, success is inevitable, and this year’s Ultimate University Quiz competition hosted by New Vision promises just that.

Kicking off  on November 6, the quiz will see university students from across Uganda face off in a thrilling intellectual contest that will run until December 12, culminating in the crowning of the top performers.

We spoke with Wanyama Wangah, a seasoned quiz expert, who shared his insights into how universities can best prepare students for this competition. According to Wanyama, while the quiz features university students, the questions often cover general knowledge typically taught at the secondary school level.

“For students to excel, they need a strong foundation from a secondary school that values reading and learning,” he explained. “It also helps if the students come from a background that encourages reading, perhaps with a family library at home.”

Wanyama noted that universities should focus on identifying and nurturing existing talent rather than attempting to impart new knowledge.

“If I were a secondary school headmaster, I’d be celebrating seeing my students competing at this level. Universities can only offer minimal preparation; a solid reading habit must have already been established by the time students reach this stage.”

He emphasized the importance of universities developing the infrastructure and systems needed to identify and support their brightest students. “Each university has talented students, but without proper organization and in-house quizzes to discover them, it’s unlikely they will shine in this competition. By hosting internal quizzes and offering prizes, universities create a training ground where the top talents can be easily identified,” he added.

Wanyama further recommended appointing a dedicated coach to oversee the preparation process. “A good coach is knowledgeable about the university environment and has strong connections with students from different faculties. They should work to identify promising students, test their skills, and build their confidence, particularly for those who may have the knowledge but lack self-assurance.”

The aim of such a quiz, according to Wanyama, is to move students away from rote learning and equip them with knowledge that will be useful in real-world settings beyond the classroom.

The prizes are substantial, with the winning university taking home equipment valued at sh25m. Additionally, each of the four participants and their coach will receive sh1m and a new laptop. The second-place team will receive a prize of sh15m with individual participants earning sh500,000 and a laptop each. The third-place team will receive sh10m, with each participant receiving sh300,000 and a tablet.

Max Adii, the project manager, announced that the quiz would air three times a week on New Vision’s television platforms, including Bukedde 1, Bukedde TV 2, TV West, Wan Luo, and the New Vision app. With this exposure, Adii hopes to inspire students and the general public, highlighting the value of knowledge and the importance of fostering talent at every level of education.

The Ultimate University Quiz is sponsored by Bank of Uganda, Stanbic Bank, Uganda Communications Commission, Parliament of Uganda, National Environmental Management Authority, Georgina Eye Clinic, and Harris International.