Three outstanding Nigerian students are currently representing the country at the Grand Finale of the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy, marking a significant achievement for Nigerian education and highlighting the growing role of private-sector intervention in nurturing gifted young scholars amid concerns over the nation’s declining participation in international academic competitions.
The students—11-year-old Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan, 13-year-old Onwubiko Chimduebube Victor, and 17-year-old Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous—qualified to represent Nigeria after emerging among the best performers at the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad, an academic competition organised by education advocate and Chief Executive Officer of Educare, Alex Onyia.
The competition attracted more than 11,500 pupils and students from across the South-East, making it one of the largest mathematics contests held in the region. Following several stages of rigorous assessment, the three exceptional students earned the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s brightest young minds at the prestigious International STEM Olympiad.
Accompanied by their teachers, the Nigerian representatives are participating in Mathematics and Science competitions taking place at the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, where contestants from more than 150 countries are showcasing their academic abilities.
The students’ participation has been made possible through the sponsorship of Alex Onyia, who financed their international travel, visa processing, accommodation and other logistical expenses required for the competition.
Announcing their arrival in Italy, Onyia expressed optimism about their chances of bringing honour to Nigeria.
“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,” he wrote in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Ahead of the competition, Onyia praised each of the three students, describing them as exceptional young talents whose performances continue to demonstrate the immense academic potential that exists among Nigerian children when provided with the right opportunities and support.
Particular attention was given to 17-year-old Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous, who is representing Nigeria in the senior category.
According to Onyia, the teenager is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding science students and currently holds the distinction of being the country’s best-performing student in Chemistry in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.
Introducing the student before the competition, Onyia wrote:
“Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous is now ready for tomorrow’s competition. He has refused to smile since morning. He will be representing us in the Senior Category at the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy.
“He is currently the best in Chemistry for IGCSE in Nigeria. His head is filled with Mathematics and Science. He is such a gentle and well-behaved boy. He is a star.”
The education advocate also expressed confidence in the abilities of 11-year-old Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan, who represented Nigeria in the primary school Mathematics category.
Describing him as exceptionally gifted, Onyia revealed that the young contestant believed he could achieve a perfect score during the competition.
“Egejurum Onyedikachi is ready for tomorrow’s Mathematics competition at the International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome. He will be representing us in the Primary category. He is very confident that he might get a perfect score,” Onyia stated.
In another update from Rome, Onyia disclosed that the young prodigy had taken an additional challenge by voluntarily entering the Science category despite having made no specific preparations for that event.
According to him, the decision reflected the confidence and intellectual curiosity of the young student.
“Our star boy, Egejurum Onyedikachi, decided to participate again today in the International STEM Olympiad finale, Science category, unprepared. Listen to his experience. We are rooting for him to win double gold,” Onyia said.
Although less public attention has focused on Onwubiko Chimduebube Victor, the 13-year-old was equally selected after demonstrating exceptional academic ability during the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad and is competing alongside his teammates in Rome.
Their participation has attracted widespread
