African Olympiad Academy invites 2 Nigerian students with mathematical potential

African Olympiad Academy (AOA), a premier Pan-African secondary school opening this September in Rwanda, has invited two Nigerian students, who have exhibited extraordinary mathematical potential to be a part of its founding cohort. The school’s curriculum is rooted in Pan-African pedagogy and Olympiad-style challenge-based learning. The first of its kind, AOA is open to students […]

African Olympiad Academy (AOA), a premier Pan-African secondary school opening this September in Rwanda, has invited two Nigerian students, who have exhibited extraordinary mathematical potential to be a part of its founding cohort.

The school’s curriculum is rooted in Pan-African pedagogy and Olympiad-style challenge-based learning. The first of its kind, AOA is open to students by invitation only.

Students across the continent are selected through AOA’s Rising Stars training and recruitment program. Rising Stars hosts math camps, training programs, and competitions to identify high-potential students and provide them with opportunities to grow, engage, and gain access to AOA admission and various scholarships through partner networks.

In the case of Nigeria, Rising Stars partnered with Special Maths Academy, an organization in Nigeria also dedicated to promoting math excellence through math olympiad training and national competitions.

Special Maths Academy reached out to schools directly to identify potential student candidates. Virtual information sessions were held with school leaders and teachers to introduce the AOA program, followed by communication with interested parents and students. A selection test was conducted on June 30, 2025, at several schools.

Students who performed well were shortlisted for two rounds of interviews that assessed their mathematical abilities, problem-solving approaches, and overall motivation.

As a result of this comprehensive process, Chimfumnanya Stephanie Aghaduno of Penny International College and Abasiofon Otobong Sampson of Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) Abuja, were invited to attend AOA, and both have accepted. Chimfumnanya and Abasiofon, like all AOA students, will have all costs covered, including their tuition, boarding, and flights.

Chimfumnanya and Abasiofon will join students from Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda in the inaugural cohort class. AOA’s presence in Nigeria also includes building partnerships with national mathematics olympiad organizations, including Nigeria’s National Mathematics Center (NMC) in Abuja, to support student preparation for international competitions such as the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) and Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO).

AOA aims to develop nascent math and science talent from Africa into globally competitive problem solvers with a deep commitment to the continent. To achieve this vision, AOA is also engaging with African STEM professionals, both on the continent and in the diaspora.

Those in Nigeria and abroad who are interested can get involved through:

Invest in African STEM Talent. Their donations can help offer scholarships and training programs to our students.

Become an industry partner. Our African STEM talent needs internships and job opportunities to gain real-world experience and apply their problem-solving skills

Join our network of mentors. This is a unique opportunity to mentor exceptionally gifted students and help them excel in academics, competitions, and careers. They would also exchange with other like-minded Pan-African STEM leaders.