Alex Onyia, the Chief Executive Officer of Educare, has announced that he will personally sponsor three students and two teachers to represent Nigeria at the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy. Onyia disclosed that he has covered all expenses for the trip, including visa processing and travel arrangements.
Sponsorship Details and Competition Scope
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on June 25, 2026, Onyia confirmed that the students will compete in the mathematics and science categories of the International STEM Olympiad, facing participants from 154 other countries. The selected students are winners of the 2026 South East Maths Olympiad, accompanied by their supporting teachers.
Onyia wrote: "Next week, I will be taking 3 students and 2 teachers to Rome, Italy, all expenses paid by me. All visas have been issued and all arrangements have been sorted. The students will represent Nigeria in the Maths and Science categories of the International STEM Olympiad. They will compete alongside 154 other countries." He added that the trip aims to foster growth for both students and teachers, stating, "In 10 years, I pray you will be alive to see the outcome of our investments in our children today."
Public Reaction to the Gesture
Many Nigerians have praised Onyia for his philanthropic effort. Social media users expressed gratitude and admiration. @ricardojr_loba9 commented: "While some people are busy discussing olodo Uprising, my boss here is busy making our students great again. May God bless you abundantly." @RealRichStar said: "So happy you taking them from South East, thank you so much Alex, you are a God sent, your kindness to humanity is divine, and you born for this, keep it up." @momenton_eze added: "You're the light to a generation the bad government of Nigeria doesn't want to see grow. God bless you more."
Onyia's Previous Educational Initiatives
This sponsorship follows Onyia's earlier efforts to support education in Nigeria. He previously questioned why PhD students in Nigeria are required to pay school fees, and he shared success stories of youngsters in his community who improved their JAMB scores through collective training. In 2024, he noted that his cousin's score rose from 187 in the 2023 UTME to 243 in the 2024 exercise, thanks to community-led investment.
The International STEM Olympiad is a global competition that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among students. Nigeria's participation underscores the potential of local talent when given opportunities. Onyia's sponsorship ensures that these students can compete on an international stage without financial barriers.
