Empowering Nigeria's brightest young minds since 2018.
STAR-ME Competition is Nigeria's foremost platform for identifying, celebrating, and nurturing academic excellence among secondary school and university students across the country.
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Kennedy Arisekola and backed by Arikennedys Media, STAR-ME was born out of a simple but powerful conviction: that every Nigerian student, regardless of background or location, deserves a world-class stage to demonstrate their brilliance.
What began as a regional quiz competition in Abuja has grown into a multi-disciplinary national championship spanning STEM, Arts, Debate, Creative Innovation, and more — engaging over 50,000 students from all 36 states and the FCT.
We are more than a competition. We are a movement — a commitment to reshaping how Nigeria views, invests in, and celebrates its young people.
STAR-ME launches its first regional Science & Maths competition with 500 participants across 3 states.
Expanded to all 36 states. Over 8,000 students compete in 4 disciplines. First television broadcast.
Launched online registration system and live-streamed competitions during COVID-19, reaching 200,000 viewers.
Signed MOUs with 5 universities and 3 corporate sponsors. Prize pool reaches ₦10 million.
Launch of the comprehensive STAR-ME digital platform — registration, results, and media all in one place.
To provide every Nigerian student with a credible, equitable, and inspiring platform to demonstrate academic excellence, foster healthy competition, and earn life-changing recognition and rewards.
To be Africa's most trusted student competition brand — a pipeline that transforms classroom brilliance into national leadership, professional success, and generational impact.
Integrity. Excellence. Inclusivity. Innovation. We operate with unwavering commitment to fairness, academic rigor, and the belief that every young Nigerian mind deserves to shine.
STAR-ME operates with 5 clear strategic goals that guide every decision we make.
Identify and document the top 1% of academic performers across Nigeria annually across all disciplines.
Distribute over ₦50 million in prizes and scholarships to deserving students by 2028.
Partner with 500+ secondary schools and universities to integrate STAR-ME prep into their curricula.
Ensure every competition is broadcast nationally — making student excellence a prime-time conversation.
Build a powerful STAR-ME alumni community that connects past winners with mentors, employers, and funders.
Expand STAR-ME to West Africa by 2027, creating cross-border academic exchange and regional champions.