“It’s a shame” — a man reacts when Nigeria is allegedly expelled from the International Mathematical Olympiad
Nigeria has reportedly been removed as a full participant in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and will only attend this year’s competition in China as an observer nation, according to education advocate and CEO of Educare, Alex Onyia.
In a statement shared on social media, Onyia described the development as “a great shame”.” for the country, blaming it on the inability of the Federal Ministry of Education to fund Nigeria’s participation through the National Mathematics Center for four consecutive years.
“Nigeria has now been disqualified from the International Mathematical Olympiad, the final of which is being held in Shanghai, China, this July. It is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the world.
“Nigeria can now only participate as an observer nation while other countries can participate fully.
“This was due to the inability of the Ministry of Education to finance students through the National Mathematics Center for four consecutive years.
“It is a great shame for Nigeria” Onyia said.
The International Mathematical Olympiad is considered one of the world’s most prestigious academic competitions for high school students, which every year brings together young mathematical talents from different countries to compete.
Nigerians express disappointment
The claim sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians criticizing the government’s handling of education and complaining about what they described as misplaced national priorities.
Sylvester wrote: “If it’s a climate change conference or a useless meeting abroad, or Big Brother, a beauty pageant, they will go with 1,000 delegates including side girls, family members and PAs, but anything educationally useful for the growth of the youth is haram for them.”
Another user, Monacohe blamed poor leadership and the quota system for the country’s educational challenges.
“You don’t understand how senseless this country is. A country where someone who didn’t finish high school will be awarded as the Minister of Education and you think our education system will improve. The quota system is still destroying Nigeria.”
Marta Dominik described the development as “disheartening and shameful,” arguing that entertainment and politics should not overshadow education.
“BBN participants, rogue politicians and everything else that deviates from the academic community should not be ahead of education. We have to do better as a country.”
DJ he also criticized public officials, stating that leaders prioritize the education of their families abroad while neglecting the education sector at home.
“Those old men in the position are a great shame. Funding your own children in the best academy abroad, using money meant for education and infrastructure development in Nigeria, shame.”
Cletus questioned the government’s spending priorities, saying: “They have money for cars for themselves. They have money for estacodes. They have money to transport an inflated delegation to conferences that have no direct connection to the program. But when it comes to education, they have no money for that.”
The Federal Ministry of Education and the National Mathematics Center have not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
