Mountain Top University Participates in 2026 AAPG Imperial Barrel Award Competition, Emerges Second in Africa
At the semi-final of the 2026 American Association of Petroleum Geologists Imperial Barrel Award Competition, on 22 April 2026, the Department of Geology, Mountain Top University, emerged second among twelve universities that contested across Africa.
The global competition, organised by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, is one of the world’s foremost geoscience contests designed to expose emerging geologists and geoscience students to real-life petroleum exploration challenges. The competition brought together universities from different continents, creating an avenue for students to demonstrate technical expertise, exchange innovative ideas, and compete within a highly professional and intellectually demanding environment.
This year’s African regional contest featured twelve universities that qualified for the semi-final stage. The institutions included Makerere University, Uganda; Mansoura University, Egypt; University of Lagos, Nigeria; University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Mountain Top University, Nigeria; Yakubu Gowon University, Nigeria; Cairo University, Egypt; Alexandria University, Egypt; Tanta University, Egypt; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria; and Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
During the competition, participating universities presented detailed geological and exploration analyses before an international panel of industry experts and academics. Representing Mountain Top University were Abosi Ikenna and Odoemela Adesuwa, both Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) students, alongside Keku Oluwatimilehun and Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, who are 400-level students of the institution.
The Mountain Top University team delivered an impressive presentation that showcased strong depth of knowledge, technical expertise, teamwork, and outstanding communication skills. Their performance attracted commendation from the global panel.
At the conclusion of the assessment process, judges carefully evaluated participating institutions based on technical competence, interpretation of geological data, creativity, presentation quality, teamwork, and overall understanding of petroleum exploration concepts. Mountain Top University once again distinguished itself among the competing institutions by securing second place in Africa.
Reacting to the achievement, the Head of the Department of Geophysics at Mountain Top University, Dr M. O. Okunubi, described the competition as a valuable academic and professional exposure for students and staff alike.
According to him, the Imperial Barrel Award Competition provides participants with first-hand insight into the real-life challenges faced by professionals in the oil and gas industry and helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.
“The competition enables students to assess themselves, build confidence in their knowledge of geosciences, and develop practical problem-solving skills relevant to the global energy sector,” he said, while commending the organisers for sustaining an initiative that promotes innovation and excellence among young geoscientists.
Also speaking, Dr N. O. Ayinde, a seasoned lecturer who prepared the university’s team for the competition, noted that the exercise closely mirrors real-world petroleum exploration projects.
He explained that participating teams were tasked with analysing basin data, identifying prospects, and presenting exploration strategies to experts within a strict timeline of approximately eight weeks.
The outstanding performance of Mountain Top University at the 2026 AAPG Imperial Barrel Award Competition further indicates the trajectory and fulfilment of the institution’s ethos of producing globally competitive graduates equipped with the knowledge, competence, and character required to excel in their respective professions.
As the university continues to expand its footprint in research, innovation, and professional development, this is another testament to the kind of products manufactured by Mountain Top University as it furthers its holistic education agenda.