32 Exceptional Students to Receive Full Tuition Scholarships at National Mathematics Competition
The Annual National Mathematics Competition (ANMC) has announced that 32 outstanding students will receive comprehensive tuition coverage for their entire secondary education at Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC). This prestigious award represents a significant investment in Nigeria's educational future and recognizes exceptional mathematical talent among the nation's youth.
Expanding Opportunities for Mathematical Excellence
Now in its 23rd year, the competition organized by NTIC in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) has expanded its reach to include more categories than ever before. Fevzullah Bilgin, the Managing Director of NTIC, revealed that students from junior secondary classes have now joined the competition alongside primary school participants.
"It was primary, and JS 3 now JS 1 and 2 have joined us, giving them an opportunity to also participate in the scholarship," Bilgin explained during the competition held in Abuja on February 7.
The competition attracts participants from over 30 states across Nigeria, with more than 10,000 students from Primary 5 to 6 and JSS 1 to 3 participating in this year's examination. This broad participation demonstrates the growing interest in mathematics education nationwide.
Comprehensive Rewards for Students and Educators
The winning students will receive 100% tuition coverage that encompasses their entire secondary school education at NTIC, including hostel fees for six years. This comprehensive scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity for the recipients and their families.
Beyond student awards, the competition also recognizes the crucial role of educators:
- Teachers of winning students receive cash prizes
- Participating schools are awarded educational essentials including desktop computers, printers, tablets, and phones
- This holistic approach ensures that both students and educational institutions benefit from the competition
Building National Capacity Through Mathematics Education
Bilgin emphasized the fundamental importance of mathematics in national development, stating: "The purpose of the ANMC is to build a nation. We need to build the youth of the nation, and to do this, we need to build the education system of the nation. And to achieve this, we need to start from Mathematics, which is the mother of all subjects, all courses and even sciences."
The NTIC Managing Director further explained that mathematics serves as the foundation for critical thinking, science, technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence adoption. "With their critical reasoning skills, the students will be able to think out of the box for negotiations and all the other soft skills," he noted.
Two Decades of Educational Impact
Mr. Erdal, the coordinator of ANMC, provided historical context about the competition's impact since its inception in 2003. Over 500,000 pupils have participated in the competition across Nigeria during this period, creating a substantial legacy of mathematical engagement.
The competition has awarded full scholarships to more than 600 outstanding students over the years. "Some of the students that came into NTIC through ANMC have been harnessed and are doing remarkably well in their endeavours," Erdal reported, highlighting the long-term success of previous scholarship recipients.
Parental Perspectives on Competition Benefits
Mrs. Ezenwa, a parent whose child participated in the competition, shared her perspective on the value of the experience: "It means a lot, you know, for you to go through the process and see that your child can participate in this competition; it also means that the child has gone through a lot of preparation to get to this point."
She further explained how the competition enhances mathematical understanding: "And from experience, I found out that each time they go through the competition, their knowledge of mathematics jumps. Currently, they'll tell you that mathematics is their best subject because I've come to understand that the process of preparing for the exams exposes them to a lot."
Aligning with National STEM Education Goals
The competition aligns perfectly with Nigeria's increasing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Bilgin emphasized that with STEM integration in the national curriculum, mathematical proficiency has become essential for academic and professional excellence.
For 23 years, NTIC has consistently promoted effective mathematics teaching and learning at primary levels while developing greater capacity through the ANMC. This sustained commitment reflects the institution's dedication to educational advancement and national development through mathematical excellence.
The Annual National Mathematics Competition continues to serve as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing mathematical talent while providing tangible rewards that support educational advancement for exceptional students across Nigeria.
