Introduction
For Nigerians in the UK, staying connected to home can be both a challenge and a joy. Whether through food, music, or conversation, the need to celebrate and remember their roots is ever-present. That’s where The All Nigerian Pub Quiz comes in—a unique gathering that blends trivia, culture, and community, offering a fun yet enriching way for Nigerians and their friends to bond over shared knowledge.
In this interview, its founder, Idowu Kukoyi, shares her story—the inspirations behind the quiz, its growth, and the vision that continues to drive it. What began as a modest idea has grown into a space where culture is celebrated through trivia, fostering a sense of togetherness and pride among the Nigerian diaspora.
How did the idea for the Nigerian Pub Quiz start? What inspired you to create it?
It started back in October 2022. Before that, in July, I sent a message to a friend who works as an event organiser, coordinator, and producer. I said, ‘I really want to start something related to Nigeria, and I'm sending this to you for accountability.’ I was in my ‘just say and do’ bag at the time.
My friend helped me get it off the ground. At first, I wanted to create a trivia game because I’m passionate about Nigeria. Before this, I had a platform called The Naija Enthusiast, where I shared easy-to-understand news and pop culture about Nigeria. I wanted to connect with my culture and learn beyond what my parents told me. Growing up, my parents always shared stories and spoke Yoruba to us, but even though I can’t speak it back, I’ve always had this love for Nigeria.
I initially wanted to produce a trivia game, but there was a lot of legal work involved. Then, I thought, ‘Why not host a trivia night, like a British pub quiz but centred around Nigeria?’ I started looking for a venue, and with my friend’s help, we found Peckham Levels. We planned for 60 to 70 people, but there was so much demand that we doubled our capacity. The first event had 120 to 150 attendees.
I've always liked trivia. My dad is a huge collector of information; our house was always filled with random facts. So it made sense to centre this trivia night on all things Nigeria.
Why choose trivia as a way to highlight Nigerian culture?
Trivia is such a powerful learning tool. It’s a great way to retain information, especially when it’s presented in a fun and competitive environment. People come to the quiz for a good time, but I want them to leave knowing something they didn’t before—whether it's about Nigeria’s history, its politics, or pop culture. We have six rounds of trivia, with intervals for dancing, and by the end, attendees are buzzing with new knowledge.
It also creates space for conversations. After an event, someone might say, ‘I didn’t know this about Nigeria before independence’ or ‘I learned something new about Buhari’s government.’ Trivia makes it easier to digest and discuss what can sometimes be complex subjects.
How has the quiz evolved since its launch in October 2022?
It’s grown significantly. More people are hearing about us, and we’ve had amazing support from brands, both financially and in terms of product giveaways. When we started, I had no idea how much appetite there was for this kind of event. But after a few successful quiz nights, I’ve seen the potential for growth.
We’ve kept the quiz as a quarterly event, and we try to align it with important dates for Nigeria, such as our Nigerian Independence Day celebration. There’s always a surge in demand around these key moments when Nigerians abroad want to come together and celebrate.
We’re also looking at expansion—cities like Leeds, Hull, Manchester, and Birmingham, where there are strong Nigerian communities. I’ve been doing research trips to find the right venues. Nigerians are all over the UK now, so we’re thinking bigger.
Who usually comes to the quiz?
Our crowd is a great mix! We see people from their early twenties all the way up to their late fifties. Most are British Nigerians, but it’s not just for them. We've had people from all over—South Africans, Ghanaians, white Brits—joining in with their Nigerian friends. The quiz is designed so that anyone, no matter their background, can enjoy and participate. We even did a Ghana vs. Nigeria quiz, which brought in a fun, friendly rivalry. It’s an open, welcoming vibe, and everyone fits right in!
Even though it’s called the All Nigerian Pub Quiz, we’re expanding to include other African countries. We’re already planning a collaboration with Ghanaian culture for future events.
How do you maintain a sense of community outside of the quiz events?
At each quiz night, I make it a point to walk around and introduce myself to attendees, making sure everyone feels welcome. Many people come alone, so we pair them with teams to foster new connections. Outside of the events, we keep the community engaged through our newsletter, sharing updates and upcoming events. Last year, we even hosted a Nigerian-themed movie night, and we hope to create more events like that—experiences that are still culturally relevant but not strictly trivia-based.
What topics resonate the most with your audience?
Pop culture is always a hit. Topics like Nigerian celebrities breaking Guinness World Records, or major events like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) get a lot of attention. Politics is also a big draw, especially during election years. The 2023 Nigerian election, for instance, was a major talking point. And of course, history. People want to know about Nigeria's past as well as its present, which is why archiving is so important to us.
What role do partnerships with Nigerian brands play in the quiz’s success?
Partnerships have been crucial to our growth. At first, brands would offer small prizes like plantain chips or crates of Chapman for the winners. But now, we’ve moved into more meaningful monetary partnerships, which have allowed us to expand the quiz and enhance the overall experience for attendees.
What’s next for The All Nigerian Pub Quiz?
We’re definitely expanding. In the coming weeks, we’ll be launching an all-Ghanaian pub quiz, and next year we hope to take the quiz to other UK cities like Manchester and Dublin. We’re even exploring international possibilities, including a tour in the US. Ultimately, we want to create more quiz nights representing different cultures, like Nigeria vs. Jamaica. We’re also working on brand activations and potentially taking the quiz back home to Nigeria.
We’re looking into incorporating card games too, to make the events even more interactive and fun.
Conclusion
The All Nigerian Pub Quiz has evolved from a simple trivia night into a vibrant cultural experience for Nigerians in the diaspora. It offers more than just entertainment; it provides a sense of belonging, a space to learn and celebrate Nigerian identity. With plans for expansion and collaboration, it’s clear that this quiz night is becoming a cultural mainstay, highlighting the importance of connection through shared knowledge and experiences.
