Four Nigerian students have made notable achievements in international mathematics competitions, winning medals and securing scholarships to study abroad. Oghenerukwe Esemitodje, Oyerinde Damaris Oluwasemilore, Sampson Abasiofon Otobong, and Chimfumnanya Aghaduno developed their skills through Nigeria's mathematical Olympiad pathway. Their journeys began with the Special Maths Contest and subsequent training at the Special Maths Academy. The students' achievements have garnered attention and praise from the academic community.
Oghenerukwe Esemitodje, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College in Lagos, won a gold medal at the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in 2022. He later emerged as the winner of the 2024/2025 Special Maths Contest and secured admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Oghenerukwe is expected to continue his academic studies at MIT. His achievements demonstrate his exceptional mathematical abilities and potential for future success.
Oyerinde Damaris Oluwasemilore, a student of The Ambassadors College, excelled in the 2024/2025 Special Maths Contest, emerging as the Overall Best Nigerian Girl. She was selected for training for the European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) and represented Nigeria at EGMO 2026 in France. Oyerinde won a silver medal at PAMO 2026, showcasing her mathematical prowess on the international stage.
Sampson Abasiofon Otobong, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College in Abuja, was selected for EGMO training and later competed for a fully funded scholarship to the African Olympiad Academy (AOA) in Rwanda. She secured the scholarship and is currently studying at the academy. Sampson's achievements highlight her dedication and hard work in mathematics.
Chimfumnanya Aghaduno's progress came after an earlier unsuccessful attempt at the Special Maths Contest in 2023. She returned to the competition in 2024, progressed to the final round in Abuja in February 2025, and was later selected for EGMO training. Chimfumnanya earned a place representing Nigeria at PAMO 2026, where she won a silver medal. Her perseverance and determination have paid off.
The Special Maths Contest, organized by the Special Maths Academy, is a free talent-identification platform for students interested in mathematical problem-solving. The academy's subsequent training program is designed to prepare selected students for national and international mathematical competitions. The contest has opened its 2026/2027 edition to students across the country, providing opportunities for young mathematicians to develop their skills.
The achievements of these four students demonstrate the effectiveness of Nigeria's mathematical Olympiad pathway and the Special Maths Academy's training program. Their success serves as an inspiration to other students interested in mathematics and problem-solving. The students' medals and scholarships are a testament to their hard work and dedication to academic excellence.
Key points
- The four students developed their skills through Nigeria's mathematical Olympiad pathway.
- The students won medals at the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) and participated in the European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO).
- The students secured scholarships to study mathematical sciences abroad, including admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
