Three Nigerian students have made the country proud after winning a combined four gold medals at the International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale held in Rome, Italy, outperforming competitors from more than 150 countries in Mathematics and Science.
The young champions, Onyedikachi Egejurum (11), Chimdiebube Onwubiko (13) and Don Anele Munachimso (17), represented Nigeria after emerging as top performers in the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad, a regional competition that attracted more than 11,500 students. Their participation in the global event was fully sponsored by education advocate and Educare CEO, Alex Onyia, who covered their registration, visas, flights, accommodation and other travel expenses.
Egejurum was crowned the World’s Best in Primary Mathematics, while Onwubiko secured a gold medal in the Grade 9 Mathematics category. Munachimso delivered an outstanding performance by winning two gold medals, including the World Science title for students in Grades 9–11, giving Team Nigeria a total of four gold medals at the competition.
The achievement has drawn widespread praise across Nigeria, with many describing it as proof of the country’s immense academic potential despite persistent funding challenges affecting international competitions. The victory comes only weeks after concerns were raised over Nigeria’s reduced participation in some global academic contests because of inadequate government support.
Alex Onyia hailed the students’ success as “an investment worth making,” saying their performance demonstrates what talented Nigerian children can achieve when given the right opportunities and support. Education stakeholders have also called for greater public and private investment in gifted education programmes to ensure more young Nigerians can compete successfully on the global stage.
The triumph in Rome is being celebrated as one of Nigeria’s biggest international academic achievements of the year and a reminder that the country’s future is rich with world-class scientific and mathematical talent.
