Across Africa, many brilliant young students dream of competing with the world’s best in science and mathematics. This week, three Nigerian students are turning that dream into reality on the global stage.
Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan (11), Onwubiko Chimduebube Victor (13), and Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous (17) are representing Nigeria at the Grand Finale of the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy, where participants from more than 150 countries are competing in Mathematics and Science.
The students qualified after emerging among the top performers at the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad, organised by education advocate and Educare CEO, Alex Onyia. The competition attracted more than 11,500 contestants.
Accompanied by their teachers, the trio is competing at the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, joining some of the world’s brightest young minds.
Their participation was made possible through private sponsorship by Onyia, who covered their flights, visas, accommodation and other travel expenses.
Announcing their arrival in Rome, he wrote on X:
“Today is D-day. Our boys are now at the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma for the Grand Finale of the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy. I’m optimistic about their victory.”
Ahead of the competition, Onyia described senior-category contestant Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous as one of Nigeria’s brightest science students.
“He is currently the best in Chemistry for IGCSE in Nigeria. His head is filled with maths and science. He is such a gentle and well-behaved boy. He is a star,” he wrote.
He also praised 11-year-old Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan for his confidence after the young competitor chose to enter the Science category in addition to Mathematics.
“We are rooting for him to win double gold,” Onyia added.
Beyond the competition itself, the students’ participation reflects the growing potential of African learners in global STEM education when they receive the right support and opportunities.
It also comes amid concerns over Nigeria’s reduced participation in some international academic competitions due to funding challenges. Earlier this year, education advocates disclosed that Nigeria was downgraded to observer status at the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad in Shanghai after failing to field a full competitive team for several years.
The results of the International STEM Olympiad are expected in the coming days.
Credit: ThePunch
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.