11,522 students from the five southeastern states of Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi state sat for the maiden edition of the Southeast Maths Olympiad Competition yesterday at various designated centres.
The competition convened by Alex Onyia aims to promote Mathematics among young students in the East and rekindle a love for the subject among the new generation. Onyia confirmed that the competition was peaceful and smooth. He stressed that talks are in place to make the competition an annual event.
” Every student, teacher, parent, guardian, and supervisor who participated in today’s South East Maths Olympiad in all 5 south-east states returned home safely. ” Onyia said
“We recorded zero incidents. Managing 11,522 children is a lot, but everything went perfectly. God is faithful.” He added.
The competition convener and education influencer stated that the competition’s prize money will be increased to N100 million to make the competition even more serious.
” We will work hard to make the South East Maths Olympiad an annual event. I received reports from teachers that JSS1 students who participated in Junior have covered up to the JSS3 maths syllabus. ” Onyia said
” Students generally became serious in school to a degree never seen before. Over the years, we may raise the price to N100M. Education deserves all the attention.” He said
The main Southeast Maths Olympiad quiz follows days of Mock exams and preparation by the students. The grand finale of the competition will be aired on Afia TV, the eastern region’s largest broadcaster, to maximise publicity and awareness.
100% Computerised Examinations
The Southeast Maths Olympiad examinations were 100% computerised to optimise accuracy and the experience. Calculators were not allowed during the exams, and each student manned a lone personal computer for the exam.
” Every child who registered, regardless of economic background, participated in the South East Maths Olympiad. It was 100% computer based, and no child felt disadvantaged. We are solving so many societal problems through mathematics.” Onyia concluded.
The competition was funded by donations from education enthusiasts from the Southeast. Terra Industries Co-founder, Nathan Nwachukwu, donated a total of N15 million, the highest donation to the event.
Other donors did their bit, making the maiden edition of the competition float.
