In a country brimming with bright young minds and untapped potential, some stories rise above the noise. Not just because of talent, but because of the trials that shaped them. One such story is that of Izuafa Abdulrafiu, a first-class Software Engineering student at Veritas University, Abuja, and the undisputed champion of the inaugural Distinction Quizathon 1.0.
It is a story of brilliance, but also of doubt. Of celebration, but also scrutiny. And ultimately, a story of vindication, integrity, and impact.
The Platform That Powers Dreams
At its core, Distinction.app is a learning and competition platform built to celebrate academic excellence. Through its AI-powered quiz engine, study notes, flashcards, and leaderboard gamification, it is redefining how students study, revise, and showcase their knowledge.
The Quizathon proved that Distinction.app isn’t just about scores. It is about character, confidence, and community.
For Izuafa, it became a stage to shine and a mirror that reflected the best version of himself. It didn’t just reward what he knew; it recognized who he was.
That is what makes his story so powerful.
The Day That Changed Everything
June 22, 2023. The first ever Distinction Quizathon; a brainchild of FlexiSAF Edusoft, kicked off across Nigeria. It was a five-hour academic marathon powered by AI, designed to stretch the mental muscles of university students like never before. Over 6,000 students from 137 institutions logged on to the distinction.app platform to battle through a sea of curriculum-based questions. It wasn’t just about being smart; it was about being sharp, strategic, and relentless.
At the end of the storm, standing at the top of the leaderboard with 2,063 points, was Izuafa Abdulrafiu. He had not only participated. He had dominated.
But his celebration was short-lived.
The Flag That Raised Doubt
Distinction.app, known for its commitment to integrity, had an advanced monitoring system in place. During a post-competition review, it was observed that Izuafa had switched devices during the quiz, from laptop to mobile. This raised concern. According to the rules, participants were expected to use one verified device throughout the competition to prevent misconduct.
Despite his high score, Izuafa was disqualified.
For many, this would have been the end of the road. But Izuafa wasn’t just another participant. He was a student of substance. He appealed the decision and asked for a thorough investigation, confident that his performance was above board.
The Investigation That Proved a Champion’s Heart
The Distinction.app team took his appeal seriously. What followed was one of the most remarkable displays of academic due process and ethical responsibility.
They didn’t stop at data logs. The team went to Veritas University, where they spoke directly with the Vice Chancellor, Head of Department, and other school coordinators. They confirmed the timeline of events and heard from classmates who had seen him take on the challenge alone, focused, determined, and undistracted.
The verdict was clear. He had done nothing wrong. The device switch occurred because of an unexpected laptop issue, and the transition to mobile was seamless with no external help or foul play.
Distinction.app rectified the error and officially crowned Izuafa Abdulrafiu the first ever Quizathon Champion.
A Microsoft MVP: The Quizathon That Amplified His Ascent
What many didn’t know at the time was that Izuafa had already been named a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) before his Quizathon award was confirmed. Quietly making waves in the tech space, he had earned global recognition for his technical expertise, community leadership, and contributions to knowledge sharing, particularly in artificial intelligence.
That recognition led to a milestone few ever reach. In March 2025, Izuafa was invited to Microsoft’s global headquarters in Redmond, Washington, USA. It was a defining moment that underscored his global relevance.
While the MVP award came first, the Distinction Quizathon played a vital role in accelerating his momentum.
“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, especially within the tech space, notice the work I was doing. It played a part in building my credibility and expanding my network.” – Izuafa Abdulrafiu
The Distinction Quizathon provided him with a national platform. It brought him into the spotlight of not only students but also tech professionals, mentors, and collaborators. It gave narrative and context to his achievements, showing that his strengths lay not only in skills but also in integrity and resilience.
More Than a Trophy, a Trailblazer
Today, Izuafa stands as more than just a Quizathon champion. He is a symbol of what young African students can achieve when given the right tools, fair chances, and a platform that believes in them.
His story has inspired thousands and will inspire many more.
In a world quick to judge and slow to listen, Distinction.app proved that real champions are not just the ones who score the highest. They are the ones who rise again after being doubted.
And Izuafa Abdulrafiu?
He rose.
He inspired.
And he continues to lead.
Looking to be crowned the next Quizathon Champion? Head to www.distinction.app for everything you need to join Quizathon 3.0, happening this September 27th, 2025.
Watch the full interview with Izuafa at the Quizathon 1.0 awards ceremony below.
