Naira rain as pupils, teachers win big at mathematics competition

It was naira rain of sort at this year’s mathematics competition with N370m worth of scholarship for 28 students and N8m cash given to winners at this year’s 18th Annual National Mathematics Competition (ANMC) for mathematics enthusiasts in Primary 5 and 6 across the country. The competition was organised by the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges […]

It was naira rain of sort at this year’s mathematics competition with N370m worth of scholarship for 28 students and N8m cash given to winners at this year’s 18th Annual National Mathematics Competition (ANMC) for mathematics enthusiasts in Primary 5 and 6 across the country.

The competition was organised by the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) in conjunction with the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) for Mathematics prodigies, and  28 exceptional pupils were rewarded with a tuition fee that covers their secondary school year at any NTIC branch up to university levels.

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A total of N1.8m was won by 20 students in the gold, silver and bronze categories; while the lead teachers of the winning pupils won N905,000 in the various categories.

The schools were equally not left out in the honour roll, as they were awarded desktop computers, a photocopy machine and a Laser printer.

The managing director of NTIC, Fevzullah Bilgin, said: “the essence of ANMC has been to promote effective teaching and learning of mathematics at primary school level and to create the flair for Mathematics in the pupils.”

“Since 2003, over 210,800 pupils have participated in the competition spread across the 36 states in the country and we have offered 180 pupils 100% scholarship, which includes the tuition and hostel fee for six years,” said Mr Bayram, the ANMC Coordinator in his address.

He emphasised that students that came into NTIC through ANMC are doing remarkably well in their academic endeavours. He added that the high-profile ones amongst them are; Henry Aniobi a 2007 winner. Henry is a 3 times Pan African Mathematical Olympiad Winner with 2 Gold and 1 Silver medal. He has also received Bronze medals, four times at the International Mathematics Olympiad (Holland, Argentina, Columbia, South Africa).

Feyzullah Bilgin said that the school will continue to be committed to the annual national mathematics competition and will constantly invest in seeding the love of Mathematics in pupils’ hearts.

The first round of the competition took place on 19th June 2021 while the second round was held on the 23rd July 2021.

The competition organisers say they intend to harness outstanding young mathematicians, sharpen their rough edges and groom them to become strong and proficient in the sciences.

Bilgin said the ultimate goal is to produce remarkable students that would lead changes in inventions that would shape the future of sciences in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large.

Mr Bayram, the ANMC Coordinator, said that the school will continually be committed to the competition and will constantly invest in seeding the love of Mathematics in Pupils’ hearts.

“We are passionate about quality education and will do all that is within our power to give our students quality education with global excellence in mind,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr Yasar Ovenc, the General Managing Director of First Surat Group of Companies, expressed delight in the achievements of the young and brilliant students who made both their school and parents proud.

He advised the students to always take chances by thinking outside the box.

“Think big, dream big! But as you dream, remember that dreams without goals are just dreams and they ultimately fuel disappointments. Apply discipline and consistency and your success is guaranteed,” Ovenc said.

He also commended teachers, parents, and the schools of the pupils for working hard in supporting the students in their studies, homework, revisions which enabled the pupils to excel.

Speaking on behalf of others, the overall winner of the competition, Ifunanya Nwanegbo, described the opportunity as a truly life-changing experience. She said that the competition opened up a whole new world of opportunities for her.

On his part, the acting registrar of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Dr Azuka Benard, assured NTIC of the readiness of the Centre to sponsor development in the area of mathematics, sciences in Nigeria.

“Any nation that does not bring up the young ones in mathematics, sciences has no future, because the future of any nation depends on the level of mathematics, this is the mission of NMC, we thank Access Bank for sponsoring this edition of ANMC. We acknowledge the effort of the NTIC for their collaboration and commitment to the ANMC yearly,” he said.

While the overall winner, Ifunanya Nwanegbo of Mabel Divine International School, Anambra State won a N400,000 cash prize, her teacher, Mr Emmanual Eguchukwu won N200,000.

Tejiri Esemitodje of Mind Builders School, Imole Phase 1, Lagos State won N200,000 with his teacher, Mr Joseph Adebayo winning N100,000.

Also, Chibuzo Obiyo of Pleroma International School, Rivers State won N300,000 with his teacher, Chisom Moses winning N75,000; Oluwayemi Lois Akere of University of Lagos Women Society School, Lagos State won N100,000 with his teacher Owodunyi Ismail winning N50,000; and Darasimi Olusola of UCH Staff School, Ibadan, Oyo State won N100,000 and his teacher Olaseinde Olugbenga winning N50,000 among other winners.