The Federal Republic of Nigeria has reportedly been delisted from the International Math Olympiad over continued funding problems.
Education Advocate, Alex Onyia alleged in a recent X post that Nigeria cannot currently compete in the International Maths Olympiad.
Onyia stated that Nigeria was delisted following the failure of the Ministry of Education to provide funding. He noted that the Ministry has failed to fund students through the National Mathematical Center for 4 consecutive years.
The tournament, which is one of the most prestigious global academic competitions, will host its finals in Shanghai, China this July.
“Nigeria can now only participate as an observer nation, while other countries can participate fully,” Onyia added.
Notably, the report comes a few months after Nigerian Math Whiz Agbo Adoga couldn’t compete at the International Math Olympiad over the same funding issue from the Ministry of Education.
Adoga reportedly qualified the competition scheduled for next month, but will not be participating.
“Nigerian Ministry of Education said they don’t have money to sponsor anybody. So he will not attend,” Onyia stated at the time.
Meanwhile, the news has drawn negative reactions from Nigeria who see it as the government’s lack of priority. Many expressed shock at the lack of funding considering the government’s other spending on less important items.
Additionally, Nigerians contend that the move could discourage students intending to represent the country in academic competitions.
