This year marks the first time Rwanda will be participating in the Miss University Africa pageant. Contestants all over Africa will compete in the second edition of the pageant in Nigeria next month.Representing Rwanda is Sandra Teta, a 21-year-old Law student from Kigali Independent University (ULK). She will join other beauty queens from 54 African countries, for the 2013 Miss University Africa pageant finals.Though Teta did not win the 2012 Miss School of Finance and Banking—SFB, and emerged as the 2nd runner-up before enrolling at ULK, the university student intends to use her beauty and brain."Although it will be my first time to participate in a contest at this level, I am confident that the experience I have acquired in previous contests will help me through and I really believe that I will beat them,” Teta told The New Times.She said the chance presents an opportunity to promote Rwanda’s culture as well as learn more about African culture.Who is TetaSandra Teta was born in Uganda in 1991. She spent her childhood in Kampala, Uganda before her family returned to Rwanda after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.She studied at Kigali Parents Primary school and joined FAWE Girls senior secondary school before enrolling at Lycee de Kigali, where she completed her Advanced Level.Teta joined the School of Finance and Banking—SFB, in 2011, where she contested for Miss SFB and emerged the second runner-up. She is currently at ULK.AuditionsThe auditions for the Miss University Africa in all the participating countries kicked off February 20 and concluded in March.The Miss University Africa pageant is aimed at celebrating beauty with brains and to discourage indecent dressing amongst African youth.  It also discovers the innate potential of African students, celebrates African culture/tourism, celebrates the African woman, African personalities, promotes investment and reaches out to the less privileged through the Miss University Africa Foundation.Miss University Africa is the only pageant on the continent that comprises 54 African nations despite their religious beliefs and language diversity. It also has a large international viewing audience, with very positive and encouraging support from leaders on the continent like Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Dr. Yahya Jammeh, President Republic of the Gambia, and Ntsu Mokhehle, The Prime Minister of Lesotho.

The winner of this pageant becomes the official International Queen for Africa and a United Nations Students Ambassador.