Abdulrafiu Izuafa’s rise is nothing short of remarkable. In this exclusive interview, we explore how he emerged as the champion of Distinction Campus Quizathon 1.0 and his journey to being recognized as Microsoft MVP Winner. Get ready to meet the young mind redefining excellence in Nigeria’s tech space.
Let’s start with your story – can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as a student of Software Engineering at Veritas University?
My name is Abdulrafiu Izuafa, and I’m a Software Engineering student at Veritas University. My journey into tech started in 2022 when I got into the university. Funny enough, I didn’t originally plan to study Software Engineering—I was aiming for Medicine. But along the way, I transitioned after realizing how fast the tech industry was evolving, especially with AI making such a huge impact. That shift in perspective changed everything for me.
What sparked your interest in tech, and how did you begin your journey into programming and AI?
What really sparked my interest in tech was the fact that technology keeps evolving—it’s never stagnant. I remember doing an AI coursework in Veritas University that completely amazed me. That was when I realized how powerful AI is. From there, I got involved in school exhibitions, competitions, and started building projects using AI. One project that stood out for me early on was a real-time drone weapon detection system using the YOLO-CV API. Even though I was still trying to find my footing in the AI ecosystem, I managed to pull it off with a lot of relearning and unlearning. That’s where my real passion for AI started growing.
How did you first hear about the Distinction Quizathon, and what inspired you to take part in it?
I heard about the Distinction Quizathon through my school body group. What inspired me to participate was my competitive nature—I’ve always loved challenges. Once I saw the opportunity, I just knew I had to be part of it.
The competition was intense with over 6,000 students across Nigeria. How did you prepare, and what was your strategy during the 5-hour quiz?
To be honest, I didn’t have much time to prepare because I was writing my university exams during the competition. My only strategy was to stay hyper-focused. I remember going through the full five-hour quiz session without even drinking water. That level of focus helped me keep my mind sharp throughout.
You initially faced disqualification due to device switching, yet you appealed and were vindicated. What was that experience like, and what did it teach you?
Yeah, I was disqualified at first because the Distinction.app team thought I might have been receiving external help after I switched devices. That really hurt, especially knowing how hard I worked and how much effort I put into the competition. But I knew I was innocent, so I took the extra step to appeal. That experience taught me to always stand up for what’s right, stay patient, and trust the process. It showed me the value of integrity and persistence—even when the odds are against you.
When you were officially declared the winner, how did it feel to reclaim your position after such a dramatic twist?
Being declared the winner after all that drama felt incredibly fulfilling. It was like reclaiming something I knew I had earned. I was also really excited to be invited to Distinction.app’s HQ for an interview and the award ceremony. It felt amazing to be recognized, not just for winning, but for the journey that came with it.
Looking back, how would you describe the overall impact of the Distinction.app platform on your academic journey?
The impact has been amazing. The Quizathon didn’t just challenge me academically—it opened my eyes to the kind of real-world, industry-level knowledge I need to succeed. It helped me align my academic journey with what’s happening in the tech world. It gave me direction and a new level of confidence in my capabilities.
You’ve been named a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP)—an elite title in tech. How did that happen, and what does it mean to you?
I actually became a Microsoft MVP before receiving the Distinction Quizathon award. At the time, my LinkedIn was still growing and not many people knew me, so it came as a huge surprise. But getting that recognition meant the world to me. The biggest highlight was being invited to Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington. That was a proud moment and a confirmation that my work was making an impact. The Distinction.app platform also helped amplify that recognition.
What contributions or projects do you think positioned you for that MVP recognition?
Even though there wasn’t one single standout project, I was very active in the Microsoft and AI ecosystems. I focused more on contributing to my community—sharing knowledge, participating in open-source projects, and trying to make a real difference. I think that consistency and passion for impact were what stood out and led to my MVP nomination.
Would you say that participating in the Distinction Quizathon played a role in your path to becoming an MVP? If so, how?
Definitely. While the MVP title came just before the Quizathon win, the visibility and recognition that came from the competition boosted everything. It helped more people—including in the tech space—notice the work I was doing. It played a part in building my credibility and expanding my network.
As someone who’s stood out academically and technically, how do you stay focused, motivated, and grounded?
I stay focused by constantly reminding myself of why I started—my passion for tech, my desire to impact lives, and my bigger goals. Motivation comes from small wins and from seeing others succeed through things I’ve shared or contributed to. And staying grounded? That comes from gratitude. I never forget where I came from or the people who helped me get here.
What advice would you give to students across Africa who want to excel like you both in competitions and the tech space?
Stay curious and stay consistent. Learn fast, unlearn when necessary, and don’t be afraid to fail. Competitions are great, but the real win is building solutions that solve real problems. Connect with others, ask questions, and most importantly, believe in your ability to grow—even when things feel tough.
What’s next for Izuafa? Are there any goals, projects, or dreams you’re currently working on or looking forward to?
I’m currently working on AI-powered solutions that focus on accessibility—helping people with disabilities access information more easily. I’m also planning to launch a tech learning community for young Africans who want to get started in AI. Long-term, I hope to build a platform that bridges the gap between tech education and real-world opportunities across Africa.
Watch the full interview with Izuafa at the Quizathon 1.0 awards ceremony below.
Visit www.distinction.app to learn how to participate in the upcoming Quizathon 3.0, taking place on September 27th, 2025.
