Veritas University, Abuja, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Izuafa Abdulrafiu, a 300-level Software Engineering student, who has been selected as a Microsoft Most Valuable Player (MVP) and invited to the prestigious Microsoft MVP Global Summit in the United States of America.
A statement issued by the Head, Corporate Affairs and Communications of the University, Ben Agande indicated that at just 18 years old, Abdulrafiu has made history as the youngest Microsoft MVP globally, an extraordinary feat that highlights his outstanding contributions to Microsoft technologies and the developer community.
His expertise in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), played a pivotal role in earning him this esteemed recognition.
Abdulrafiu’s journey to global recognition began in his 200-level when he won first place in the Africa First AI-Powered Inter-University Quizathon. Competing against over 150 universities and more than 7,000 participants, he secured victory and a cash prize of N350,000.
The competition, which tested knowledge across various NUC curriculum-based courses, required participants to answer the maximum number of questions correctly within 25 minutes during the five-hour event held on June 22.
Event organizers praised Abdulrafiu’s “intelligence, consistency, and tenacity,” which propelled him to the top of the leaderboard and earned him the overall winner title.
Speaking about his experience at the Microsoft MVP Global Summit, Abdulrafiu shared:
“Attending the Microsoft MVP Global Summit in the United States was a dream come true. This exclusive event brings together MVPs from around the world to collaborate with Microsoft product teams, discuss cutting-edge innovations, and shape the future of technology.
Being recognized as the youngest Microsoft MVP globally is an incredible milestone in my journey as a tech professional. It signifies my dedication to Microsoft technologies, knowledge-sharing, and active engagement with the global developer community. My passion for AI and emerging technologies played a crucial role in achieving this status.
The summit, fully sponsored by Microsoft, lasted three days and provided me with the rare opportunity to interact directly with Microsoft’s top engineers, leaders, and fellow MVPs. We explored groundbreaking advancements and exchanged invaluable insights. However, due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), I am unable to disclose specific details of the discussions.
From Nigeria, I estimate that about three to four of us attended, alongside other Nigerians residing abroad, showcasing the remarkable presence of Nigerian talent in the global tech industry.
This experience has been truly transformative. It has strengthened my passion for technology, reaffirmed my commitment to innovation, and expanded my network with some of the brightest minds in the industry. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited about the journey ahead.”
Veritas University commends Abdulrafiu for his groundbreaking achievement and remains committed to fostering an environment where young innovators can thrive on the global stage.
