Why FG supports Cowbell Secondary School maths contest - ALEXSAMADE
11 JUN 2009
By Emmanuel Edukugho
Nigeria’s First Lady, Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua, has commended Promasidor Nigeria Limited for its contribution to the advancement of Mathematics education in Nigeria through organising and sponsoring of the National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition, endearing the company to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry Education and all states ministries of education and other agencies in the country.
At the award ceremony for winners of the Promasidor Nigeria Limited (Makers of Cowbell Brand Milk) 2009 National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition which took palce recently in Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, she noted that the competitions are not just a mere exercise designed to exercise the brain, but an attempt to among other things, encourage youthful talents in Mathematics, develop and reward our youth and establish friendly relationship between our young mathematicians.
“Investment in Science is indeed vital for developing nations. A country that neglects science education for its citizens does so at its own peril.â€
Represented by Hajiya Aishatu Dukku, Minister of State for Education, the First Lady said it is in realising this fact that government has firm commitment to upgrade the institutions and Centres of Excellence in the country to a world-class status as a way of producing highly trained and skilled scientific professionals of the future.
“This position is inevitable as government is making frantic effort to place Nigeria in her rightful position in the world of advanced technology as a vehicle for the achievement of its Vision 20: 2020.â€
She referred to the 7-Point Agenda of the Yar’Adua administration, whose pursuit the Federal Ministry of Education is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to make Nigeria a nation of educated people, with particular emphasis on Mathematics and Science education.
“This is the only way we believe organisations such as Cowbell the Federal and state ministries of education, and other agencies can achieve the Millennium Development Goals within the time frame set.â€
She drew attention to the persistent poor performance of students in Science related subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc, which continues to pose serious worries in the minds of both parents and government. “Currently, as you are aware, any student that does not make at least a credit pass in Mathematics finds it difficult to get a university admission.â€
Turai assured that the Federal Government will address the issues of poor performance in Mathematics and Science education by supporting national competitions and talent hunts, quizzes, etc, for our students through cooperation, encouragement and constant funding.
“We hope organisations like Promasidor will also continue to develop and deploy appropriate initiatives to rekindle and sustain interest in the study of Mathematics at the school level.â€
Students were urged to take advantage of this and other competitions to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead, as future leaders of this country. She stated that the very existence of any area of human endeavour is based on Mathematics and Mathematical sciences, and recently, the ICT, itself a product of mathematics, has taken over the global stage.
“The story f how Nigeria grew from the bottom rung of the ladder of science and technology all the ay to the top will not be complete without our giving honour to our Mathematics champions of today.â€
Earlier, Chief Keith Richards, Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, in his welcome address at the 9th edition of Cowbell National secondary Schools Mathematics Competition prize-giving ceremony, recalled that Cowbell Milk was launched into the Nigerian market in 1993, as the first powdered milk brand to be packed in mini sachets, at affordable prices for the convenience of the customers.
“In 1998, we invested in a corporate social responsibility project in the area of Mathematics, called the Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC).
He listed the objectives of NASSMAC, which included awakening the consciousness and interest in Mathematics among secondary school students, generally improve the performance in Mathematics in Nigeria, create a credible platform for identifying outstanding students and encouraging recognition of exceptional ability, redress the myth that mathematics is a very difficult subject to pass.
From 1998 when the competition was first conducted in Lagos State alone, the number of states participating went up to six in 2000, and by 2001, the scope of the competition had covered all the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
Students in the JSS3 (Junior category) and SSS2 (senior category) whose ages fall between 10 and 18 yeas are eligible for the competition. Richards said a total of 16,137 students sat for the exams this year in 130 centres across the country on Saturday, 14th March, 2009.
The number was pruned down to 74 (37 each for junior secondary school) candidates to make up the national finalists and they sat for the final exams on Monday 18, 2009.
This exam took place at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. The best 20 students, who distinguished themselves and have exhibited exceptional aptitude for mathematics, were honoured and rewarded with cash and material gifts. “We will be regarding them as Cowbell Milk Ambassadors in their respective schools, local government areas, states and in Nigeria, as a whole,†Richards said. He explained that the prizes offered for the purpose of the competition is a demonstration of his company’s unwavering commitment to the uplifting of educational standards in Nigeria.
The Promasidor MD, expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders in the Cowbell initiative, particularly the Minister of Education for his endorsement of the competition, all the state ministries of education, department of education in FCDA, the principals of the participating schools, the chief executive and Director General of the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja and the President, Mathematical Association of Nigeria for their professional support.
Prof. Adewale Solarin of the National mathematical Centre represented the Director General, while Mr. Ralph Adeoti, GM Sales, and Mr. Femi Orimolade, GM (Marketing) were all there.
The winner of the Junior category (JSS3) was 11 years old Nwokotubo Charles of Graceland International school, Port Harcourt who scored a total of 90 per cent.
He was given N130,000. Second prize went to 14 years old Alamin James from Kaduna and got N100,000, with silver medal. He scored 63 per cent. Chissom Okafor, another 14-year-old, from Layola Jesuit College, Abuja took the third prize of N75,000 and a bronze medal.
In the senior category, Tobuechukwu C. Onuegbu, 16 years old, student of Charismatic Renewal Ministry, International College, Owerri, won the first prize of N130,000 plus a laptop. He scored 70 per cent.
Second was 16-year old Chukwuemeka Aruene, Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, scoring 67% and went home with N100,000 and a Laptop. Fourteen years old Jane Francis Uwalaka of Dorothy International Secondary School, Aba, with a score of 59% was third. She got N100,000 and a bronze medal.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd best students in the Junior and senior categories from each state and FCT, Abuja were given N20,000, N15,000 and N10,000 respectively.
Seventy four teachers of students who are state champions in the junior and senior categories were rewarded N15,000 each. All the teachers of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners at the national level in both junior and senior categories were given N20,000 each.
There were consolation prizes – 4th to 10th positions for both junior and senior categories. Each got N15,000.
Loyola Jesuit Reveals Winning Formula In 2015 Cowbellpedia Quiz
Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja has identified rigorous screening the school gave its students in preparation for the maiden edition of the 2015 Cowbellpedia Television Quiz as the winning strategy that placed the school ahead of its peers that participated in the contest.
Representative of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, Munachi Ernest-Eze, won the trophy for the Junior Category of the competition. Ajoke Taiwo, a student of Scholars Universal Secondary School, Ota, Ogun State; came second with Ayomide Fadipe, another student of Loyola Jesuit College winning the medal for the third position.
Speaking on the winning strategy of the school at the final of the competition, Mr. Femi Fasotito, the College Mathematics Teacher, said the school subjected its students to rigorous mathematics test to assess their competence and suitability to participate in the competition.
https://www.brandish.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/DSC_0214.jpg L-R): Ajoke Taiwo, first runner up in the junior category of 2015 Cowbellpedia Mathematics Quiz Competition; Munachi Ernest-Eze, winner; and Ayomide Fadipe, second runner up; at the prize-giving ceremony held in Lagos
According to him, the screening exercise was targeted at training students on speed, accuracy, and confidence. His words: “We know how to subject our students to rigorous Mathematics test. That was what we did to bring out the best in our students. Munachi showed that he was worthy to represent the school and today, he has made us proud.”
Emmanuel Ogwejeh, President, Loyola Jesuit College confirmed that the students whom the College featured in Cowbellpedia TV Quiz sat for Mathematics test to qualify to participate. He, however, disclosed that for every Mathematics test taken, reward was given to students to motivate them to put in their best. His words: “For every Mathematics test taken, there is always a reward.”
Also speaking, Munachi’s father, Ike Ernest-Eze said that, in addition to the effort of the school, he employed an independent Mathematics teacher who groomed him.
In her reaction, the mother of the winner, Mrs Amaka Ernest-Eze, revealed that her child has always shown interest in Mathematics. According to her, while waiting to enter secondary school in Primary 6, Munachi was able to solve a Mathematics equation for an SSS1 student. That, she said, amazed her and also revealed to her that the subject has a role to play in his future.
However, Munachi said Mathematics is a subject he loves spending time on because of his passion for calculation. He said the most memorable moment of his life was when he won the Nigeria-Turkish International competition in Primary 6 and when he qualified for the final of the 2015 Cowbellpedia TV Quiz.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Promasidor, Mr. Olivier Thiry, had said that innovation sits at the core of what the organisation does, adding that innovation drives the way the team thinks, acts and interacts with their consumers and customers.
In view of this, he said for over 15 years now, Promasidor has been committed to the development and nurturing of mathematics in Nigeria through the platform of CowbellNational Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC), adding that it is time to give it a new creative twist.
He said: “Today, this new and value-adding direction takes our initiative to another height in our pursuit to nurture great innovators – engineers and scientists for tomorrow. Mathematics is particularly unique as it is the bedrock upon which science and technology is built,”
According to him, the new initiative was designed to reward and celebrate excellence in the subject area of Mathematics.
Promasidor Nigeria, through its flagship brand, Cowbell Milk, has remained committed to improving the overall performance of Nigerian students in mathematics whilst nourishing the nation’s tomorrow’s leaders with wholesome healthy brands.
The competition has stood the test of time with the tremendous support received from all stakeholders especially the Ministry of Education at the federal and state levels.
Since 1998 when Cowbell NASSMAC started, Promasidor has consistently improved on it. For instance, in 2001, the competition became national, covering the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This year, the company upgraded Cowbell NASSMAC to Cowbellpedia TV Quiz.
Excitement as WAEC celebrates outstanding candidates, schools
TAIWO OJOYE 2 DEC 2016
Folashade Adebayo
He tried to keep his speech short, but Father Joe-Stanis Okoye, Principal, Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, could not hide the sparks of joy and elation in his voice.
Clutching the trophy won by Loyola Jesuit in both hands, Okoye commended his pupils for regularly bringing the school honour in the annual West African Examinations Council Awards for outstanding performance.
The educationist and his team have reasons to be excited. The awards ceremony, organised by the WAEC, recognised three candidates with the best results. Also, the Omo N’Oba Erediauwa Coronation Trophies and the Augustus Bandele Oyediran Trophy decorated schools that produced the best male and female candidates and school with the best overall results respectively.
The WAEC awards have produced winners in different categories since 1985 except in 1988 when the council did not stage the ceremony.
But the 2016 edition, held at the council’s international office in Lagos on Thursday, celebrated three pupils and five schools, including the LJC.
Since 2002, when the school made its first showing as the school with the best overall West African Senior School Certificate Examinations results, it continued the streak till 2005, returning in 2008 to clinch the prize in that category. This year, Loyola Jesuit won big for producing the best female candidate and having the best overall results in the 2015 WASSCE.
Speaking at the occasion, Okoye commended his pupils for being what he called intentional learners.
“Our pupils plan to learn and also engage in constant review and reflection of what we have been doing and what we can do better. We call it the Magis, a Latin word for excellence. We are grateful to God for these awards. When God gives us something, He wants us do more. We want our pupils to be encouraged and inspired to do better,” he said.’
But the LJC was not alone in the moment of glory. The Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Ibadan, shone like a million stars when it was announced as the school which produced the best male candidate – Oluwasayo Babalola – who also happened to be the candidate with the best 2015 WASSCE results in the country. In 2010 and 2011, the school was decorated by WAEC for producing the best female candidates in the 2009 and 2010 WASSCE respectively.
Three schools in Lagos were also rewarded as those with the best aggregate results in the 2015 WASSCE. These are Lagoon School, Lekki, (first position); Sagab College, Ikorodu, (second position) and Wellspring College, Ikeja (third position).
In the distinction/merit category, 17-year-old Babalola emerged the best candidate in the year under review, with Grade 1 in nine subjects, narrowly edging out Toluwase Alabi, formerly of Our Lady and St. Francis Catholic College, Osogbo, Osun State, with Grade 1 in eight subjects, to the second position.
Both academic heavy weights, who were represented at the event by their parents, are studying Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ibadan.
Emerging as the candidate with the third best result in the 2015 WASSCE and the best female candidate with the best result is Ugonma Nkata. The 17-year-old, who graduated from the LJC, has distinctions in eight subjects.
However, in his address, the Head of National Office of the council, Mr. Olu Adenipekun, argued that academic excellence was not tied to the class of school a candidate attended. He added that deserving candidates must make outstanding results at the first attempt and at the same sitting.
He said, “No school or class of schools has the monopoly of producing brilliant candidates as village and community schools have, once in a while, produced award winners. Winners of the awards have always been high flyers whose academic excellence spanned their primary and secondary school careers and who have continued to blaze the trail in the best universities in Nigeria, Europe and America. The awards have thus confirmed the validity of WAEC assessment.’’
DanseMacabre: Bless you for this naptu2. I had an orgasmic time going through this, as well as discovering how massive Majek Fashek was during his halcyon days, as I wasn't old enough then.
Sikiru Adepoju and Babatunde Olatunji also featured on 2Pac Shakur's posthumous album "The Rose That Grew From Concrete". The album is made up of various stars reading 2Pac's poems.
Babatunde Olatunji recited the poem on this track, while he and Sikiru Adepoju played the drums.
2Pac ft Babatunde Olatunji and Sikiru Adepoju - Wake Me When I'm Free (2000).
Throwback pictures of a two-time Grammy Award winning Nigerian musician.
Sikiru Adepoju is a legendary talking drummer from Eruwa in Oyo State Nigeria. He is descended from a long line of drummers and his father began teaching him how to play the drums when he was six years old. He and his brothers played in the family band. He later became a member of Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey’s Inter-Reformers Band when he was a teenager and this was when he became famous in Nigeria.
He travelled to the United States in 1985 in order to play with afrobeat legend Orlando Julius and master drummer Babatunde Olatunji. Olatunji had been famous and very influential in the music scene in the United States since the early 1960s and he introduced Sikiru Adepoju to his friends, including Micky Hart.
Musician, musicologist and drummer for the Grateful Dead, Mickey Hart had an idea to make an album in which all the best drummers from around the world would feature.
The album featured Mickey Hart (United States), Zakir Hussain and T.H. “Vikku” Vinayakram (both from India), Babatunde Olatunji and Sikiru Adepoju (from Nigeria), Airto Moreira and his wife Flora Purim (from Brazil) and Giovanni Hidalgo and Frank Colon from Puerto Rico. The album won the first ever Grammy Award in the “World Music Album” category at the 1992 Grammy Award ceremony. It also reached number 1 on the Billboard chart for Top World Music Albums.
Unfortunately Babatunde Olatunji died in 2003.
Sikiru Adepoju has collaborated with many musicians including Stevie Wonder, Babatunde Olatunji, Carlos Santana, Ebenezer Obey, Airto Moreira, Bimbo Abimbola, Mickey Hart, Orlando Julius, Muruga Booker and The String Cheese Incident.
Sikiru Adepoju continued to collaborate with Micky Hart on many projects after the death of Babatunde Olatunji. One of those projects was the Global Drum Project which won the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album. It also reached number six on the Billboard chart for top world music albums. The album featured Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain, Sikiru Adepoju, and Giovanni Hidalgo.
ifyalways: @Johnie,Naptu,everyone, what's going on? The roads are all going Bad. Potholes and manholes everywhere.
Vgc traffic light(they just patched it, won't last more than 3 months) After Chevron toll gate, heading to lekki(2 big holes) Igbo Efon r/about (uncountable, totally bad) Marwa alternative route side by pinnacle fuel station Lekki r/about(hurriedly patched) After Chisco r/about etc.
What's going on?
Also on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road and the entrance to Lekki Phase 1.
LCC has been doing a terrible job lately. All the street lights and traffic lights from Law School to Lekki Phase 1 were off on Sunday night. It made driving very difficult, especially at the junctions on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road.
Education › Re: Loyola Jesuit Abuja In Pictures by naptu2: 9:19am On Aug 01, 2017
