Nelson NseAbasi
The Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Professor Otoabasi Akpan, has appointed Dr. Lucy Michael Iseyen as the pioneer Director of the Centre for African Arts and Festival Studies (CAAFS), as the university unveils plans for a national campus pageant aimed at promoting talent, culture and leadership among young women.
Dr. Iseyen announced this on Monday, October 19, 2026, during a press conference at the university’s Uyo Liaison Office, where she unveiled the maiden edition of Campus Queen of Queens 2026, an initiative of CAAFS in collaboration with Heroes World.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Director said the pageant was part of the vision of the Vice-Chancellor to promote African arts, culture,talent development and creative expression through the centre.
She said the 1st Campus Queen of Queens was designed to go beyond physical beauty by celebrating the intelligence,confidence, creativity,cultural heritage and leadership potential of young women.
The competition,with the theme 'Crowning Excellence Among Queens,” will focus on character, knowledge, talent, purpose and the capacity of young women to make meaningful contributions to society.
According to Dr. Iseyen, the competition is open to female students of universities,polytechnics, colleges of education and other recognised tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Previous pageant experience or a title is not a requirement for participation.
She said the initiative would provide contestants with an opportunity to showcase their abilities, build confidence and develop their potential, while promoting cultural exchange, national unity and tourism through the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Akwa Ibom State.
The five-day event is scheduled to hold from December 15 to 19, 2026, at CEEDAPEG Hotels, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
The organisers have announced a total cash prize of ₦6 million for the top three contestants. The winner will receive ₦3 million, while the first and second runners-up will receive ₦2 million and ₦1 million, respectively. Other rewards are also expected.
Dr. Iseyen called on eligible female students across Nigeria to register for the competition, urging interested contestants not to miss the opportunity to represent their institutions and compete for the prizes.
She also appealed to tertiary institutions, Students’ Union Governments, corporate organisations, government agencies and individuals to support the pageant through sponsorship, partnerships and active participation.
The Acting Director further urged media organisations to publicise the initiative and help reach eligible contestants across campuses nationwide.
She expressed appreciation to Professor Akpan, Heroes World, partners and other stakeholders supporting the project, noting that the initiative would provide a platform for young women to demonstrate their abilities and pursue greater opportunities.
Dr. Iseyen encouraged female students to take advantage of the maiden edition, stressing that Campus Queen of Queens 2026 offers an opportunity to showcase talent, celebrate cultural identity and demonstrate leadership beyond the classroom.
Female students of recognised tertiary institutions across Nigeria are encouraged to begin their registration ahead of the December event. Institutions, sponsors and prospective partners are also invited to support the initiative and reach their prospects through the event.
Contestants are to register via the link below;
https://caafsedu.com.ng/qoq2026/register.php
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