Queen Varsity Afrika set to hit TV screens

Perhaps, what can be termed the very first tertiary institutions reality television show in Africa, is set to hit TV Screens this month.

Dubbed the Queen Varsity Afrika, the show, according to the organisers, is in search of ‘Beauty and Brains’ from across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Speaking at a media briefing held recently to herald the project, Jasmine Ofoegbu, who is also the Executive Producer of the show, said the programme is geared towards empowering the African girl-child and portraying her beyond just her beauty.

“Queen Varsity Afrika is geared towards empowering and equipping young African female undergraduates and fresh graduates for the future. This show is also aimed at addressing several societal issues affecting the youths. Issues such as health, safety, Self-esteem, culture, tourism, information technology, entrepreneurial skills, humanitarian outreach, etc,” she emphasised.

A total of 17 contestants, also called Princesses, from different tertiary institutions from across Nigeria and West African countries, including one from Benin Republic, made it to the maiden edition of the reality television show.

All contestants were taken to a boot camp where they were tutored and mentored by notable and respectable Nigerians in various fields of endeavours, including the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

The 13 episodes programme is billed to run on NTA 2 Lagos, which is on DSTV, and Jive TV on Startimes, as well as other online portals will commence from February 11, 2019.

Viewers would have the opportunity to vote via sms short code, www.queenvarsityafrika.com and on the show’s social media pages for their favorite Princess(es) or school.

The top ten Princesses with the highest votes would then proceed to the grand finale where the winner of the Queen Varsity Afrika of the year will emerge.

Speaking on the objectives of the show, the organisers noted that Queen Varsity Afrika is an empowerment programme that will avail the contestants the opportunity for self-realisation, self-actualisation, as well as boost their self-esteem.

“The aim is to groom and empower the next generation of Nigerian/African women today as whoever empowers a woman empowers a nation.”

Tagged The search for Beauty plus Brains, the first edition of the show is a 13 episode family program that promises to entertain, educate and tutor both the contestants and the viewers at home. As a matter of rule, Jasmine says the reality show is a non-nudity, non-bikini show.

“The aim of this reality show is to project more of what the girls have to offer Intellectually and not just about their physical attributes. That is why we are positioning this show as a non-bikini and a non-nudity show.”

In addition to the experiences that the contestants stand to gain, the organisers say that there’s a whopping N1, 000,000 naira price for the winner at the grand finale. Also, the winner and runners up would be legible to attend empowerment seminars and certifications within and outside Africa.

On collaboration, the organisers explain that Queen Varsity Afrika is open to partnership with interested parties, who are willing to join in the promotion of sustainable education and welfare of the African girl-child.

“For this year, we are working in collaboration with the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB). We are ready to partner with agencies, brands and organizations who are ready to join in empowering the African Girl Child using the platform of our educative and entertaining reality TV project this edition and in subsequent ones,” She concluded.