Nigeria is being represented by three outstanding students at the Grand Finale of the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy, where participants from more than 150 countries are competing in Mathematics and Science.
The team comprises Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan (11), Onwubiko Chimduebube Victor (13), and Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous (17), who qualified after excelling at the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad, a competition that attracted over 11,500 participants.
The students travelled with their teachers after their trip was fully funded by Educare CEO, Alex Onyia, who covered their visas, flights, accommodation and other travel costs.
Confirming their arrival in Rome, Onyia posted:
“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 described Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous, Nigeria’s representative in the senior category, as an exceptional science student.
“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, Rome, Italy. He is currently the best in Chemistry for IGCSE in Nigeria. His head is filled with maths and science. He is such a gentle and well-behaved boy. He is a star,” he wrote.
Speaking on 11-year-old Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan, Onyia said the young mathematician was confident ahead of his event.
“Egejurum Munachimso is ready for tomorrow’s Math competition at the International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale, Rome. He will be representing us in the Primary category. He is very confident that he might get a perfect score,” Onyia said.
He further disclosed that the youngster also chose to compete in the Science category despite not preparing for it.
“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,” he added.
The students’ participation comes at a time when Nigeria is facing challenges in maintaining a strong presence at some international academic competitions due to funding constraints. Their appearance in Rome has been hailed as a positive example of how private support can help nurture and showcase the country’s brightest young talents on the global stage.
