AYV Unveils Eight Contestants For Miss University 2026 Crown
Aaron Parker AYV Media Empire has unveiled eight university students who will compete for the AYV Miss University 2026 crown, officially setting the stage for this year’s pageant.
The contestants were formally introduced during an unveiling ceremony attended by AYV management, pageantry professionals, media practitioners and other stakeholders.
The contestants are Theresa Josephine Conteh of Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST); Grace Aliyah Bangura and Destiny Imonitie of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Sierra Leone; Winifred Samai and Dudlynette Harding of Fourah Bay College; Tick-Dankay Kamara of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM); Mariama Neneh Kakay of the University of Makeni (UNIMAK); and Vivat Kiyamai Metnhian of Njala University.
Speaking at the ceremony, AYV Managing Director Umaru Fofana said the competition is designed to go beyond physical beauty by giving young women opportunities to develop confidence, leadership skills and their personal brands.
“AYV Miss University is not simply about wearing a crown. It is about discovering young women with purpose, giving them a platform to express themselves and creating opportunities for them to grow,” Fofana said.
AYV Marketing Director Daniel Moore encouraged the contestants to embrace the opportunities presented by the platform, while General Manager Mariama Ariel Kamara assured them that the competition would be conducted fairly.
Kamara also announced that the eventual winner will receive a car, while the first and second runners-up will receive additional prizes.
Pageantry expert and CEO of Hawawa Modeling Agency, Hawawa Turay, urged the contestants to focus on purpose and impact, noting that modern pageantry should identify young women who understand themselves, have clear aspirations and are prepared to serve as ambassadors.
With the eight contestants now unveiled, they are expected to participate in mentorship sessions, media engagements and other activities ahead of the crowning of the AYV Miss University 2026.