By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Over 10,000 pupils and students showcased their numerical skills at the 23rd Annual National Mathematics Competition (ANMC) held in Abuja on Saturday.

Organised by the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) in partnership with the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), the annual competition underscores NTIC’s commitment to academic excellence, talent development, and the promotion of mathematics education nationwide.

The nationwide contest, a major fixture in Nigeria’s education calendar, was conducted simultaneously across designated centres in 31 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Participants included pupils from Primary 5 and 6 as well as students from Junior Secondary School (JSS 1–3), reflecting a focus on strengthening STEM foundations from an early age.

Speaking at the event, NTIC Managing Director Dr. Fevzullah Bilgin described ANMC as one of Nigeria’s most enduring academic initiatives, noting its critical role in enhancing mathematics education at the foundational level for over two decades.

He explained that the competition was originally designed for Primary 5 and 6 pupils preparing for JSS 1 but was expanded in 2022 to include junior secondary students, providing them with increased academic exposure and scholarship opportunities.

“Since its establishment in 2003, ANMC has grown into a nationally recognised platform for identifying and nurturing young mathematical talents. Mathematics remains the backbone of innovation, engineering, digital technology, and scientific research,” Dr. Bilgin said.

The competition also serves as a talent development and scholarship initiative. Outstanding students who progress beyond the second round are awarded full-tuition scholarships to study at NTIC, in addition to cash prizes. Mathematics teachers of successful candidates receive cash rewards, while their schools benefit from educational support, including desktop computers, printers, and tablets.

ANMC Coordinator Mr. Erdal highlighted the programme’s impact, revealing that over 500,000 pupils have participated since 2003. More than 600 exceptional students have benefited from fully funded scholarships covering tuition and hostel accommodation throughout their six years of secondary education.

The ANMC continues to provide a critical platform for nurturing the next generation of mathematicians, innovators, and STEM leaders in Nigeria.