The Director-General of the Benue State Public Procurement Commission, Engr. Aper Zava, has applauded Burkina Faso for replacing beauty pageants with a national science competition for young women, declaring that the initiative “makes so much sense.”
Engr. Zava, reacting to the development, said he did not believe beauty pageants added value to society, endorsing the West African country’s shift towards celebrating intellectual ability and scientific talent among young women.
Burkina Faso introduced the HAKILI Mousso national science competition two months after suspending beauty pageants in June 2026, citing concerns about protecting its cultural identity, social values and human dignity, according to Afrika World.
The competition attracted 84 young women who competed in mathematics, physics and chemistry for prizes and scholarships.
Launched by the Presidency, the initiative seeks to recognise outstanding female talent in science and encourage young women to pursue academic and professional opportunities in science-related fields.
President Ibrahim Traoré subsequently met with the winners, urging them to believe in their abilities, pursue careers in science and set ambitious goals for their futures.
The initiative highlights an alternative approach to celebrating young women by placing greater emphasis on intellectual achievement, scientific innovation and educational advancement.
