₦airaland Forum

PrinceMario:
Oga mi... Noe be the same Loyola wey dey abj ni There students are good; no doubt about that. But saying an O'level Loyola leaver will compete with with a uni or polytechnic graduate is overhyping at it peak.
Knew a couple of them in my faculty, they are good but not to the length of competiting with an undergraduate talkless of a graduate. None of them is in faculty top 5-10.

Let them handle ordinary 4×4 matrix or basic Lagrangian and let's see if dem go still dey alive to tell the story.

tensazangetsu20:
That's not true. The most brilliant students in Nigeria are all at loyola. Loyola students hardly school in Nigeria. The best students there go to the best universities in the world. Do you know what it takes to get into MIT for undergraduate.

kizyalex10:
most catholic mission schools re good,CKC ijebu ode,louisvielle,Etc.but hw many people can afford such schools.if u pay 2.sometin million above for a section,tell me if u haven't paid for ur success.if possible dem go break ur head pack book inside,unlike d hunngry public sch teachers who re nt payed,dey will jst carry dia business enter sch leave teaching,give students egusi to peal,even d students wey don tire for learning will gladly do it.lol

PrinceMario:
Oga mi... Noe be the same Loyola wey dey abj ni There students are good; no doubt about that. But saying an O'level Loyola leaver will compete with with a uni or polytechnic graduate is overhyping at it peak.
Knew a couple of them in my faculty, they are good but not to the length of competiting with an undergraduate talkless of a graduate. None of them is in faculty top 5-10.

Let them handle ordinary 4×4 matrix or basic Lagrangian and let's see if dem go still dey alive to tell the story.

rusher14:

This isn't hype.
Their records are well known.

0110x:
Quite a number of Loyola Graduates attend the ivy leagues. I know a guy from there who was accepted to, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT 3years ago. he eventually picked MIT. His whole family traveled with him to school when he resumed(so he wouldn't be lonely at first as they said). There is money in this country seriously. Please work hard, so your children can have the best of everything. Little wonder why the wealthy will always be.

AceIDE:
guy where the money dey, baba... I just tire

0110x:
Boss, people get money for this country o, I kid you not, you just need to be in some circle, you will question your parent. Na to work extra hard and smart and hope for the best, at least for our unborn children.

tensazangetsu20:
The smartest Nigerian I have ever met went to loyola. She had her undergraduate degree at standford and her MBA at harvard.

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.

Statsocial:
You are right Loyola is very good. But there are other good ones in naija. Have you also heard of the private secondary schools in Ota? Quite good.

fidalgo19:
it's not by the kind of expensive school you go to, I can bet you if 50% of them graduate from University it's jobs they will be looking for. It's better you have mind that is creative. People like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg didn't attend such schools but because of the idea they have, it made them billionaires.

tensazangetsu20:
Not just her, I have met a couple of their students and those guys have a lot upstairs.

tonguengineer:
U even try sef......make dem come help me solve some Fourier series and Laplace transforms here

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.

PrinceMario:
Lol

Noe mind the guy... LJC students are okay but not to the length of solving a 100L mathematics talkless of competing with a graduate.
Wetin my eyes see bro... Mouth noe fit talk am finish

AceIDE:
is it dependent on university education, coz me get a degree for anatomy, I just tire for everything

All You Need To Know About Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Co-Founder Andela

Firstly, news about Andela

Andela and its co-founder, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji are making big headlines across the globe. They recently concluded a Series B funding.

Here’s how FORBES reported it.

For its first lead investment, Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan’s social issues-minded fund is looking to help startup Andela train more engineers in Africa to get tech jobs.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is leading a new $24 million Series B round of funding into Andela, the first lead investment for the fund set up by Facebook’s FB +27.24%billionaire founder and his wife, a trained pediatrician, last year.

Andela has trained just under 200 engineers in its two years in operation, accepting them from a pool of 40,000 applicants and giving them six months of intensive training before sending them to spend two weeks at technology partners. After that, the Andela developers sign on to those companies full-time, working out of Andela campuses it operates in Lagos and Nairobi.

So who is Iyinoluwa Aboyeji?

Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji co-founded Andela Inc. in 2014 and serves as its Director of Recruitment. Mr. Aboyeji is a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Invevia Inc. He is an Advisor at Africa Angels Network. He is a Nigerian serial entrepreneur with several years of experience running social ventures in education technology and publishing.

When he was 18, he worked as an intern with the World Youth Alliance in the United Nations Headquarters. Then he went on to run one of Canada’s largest student owned publishing houses, Imprint Publications as President of the Board. He is founder of Bookneto Inc, an social e-learning platform for University professors to independently teach online courses. He is a recipient of several awards and honors including the John C Holland Award for Youth Leadership (awarded by JC Holland Foundation in 2010), Nigeria’s top 20 under 20 (awarded by Ynaija! in 2011) and World Economic Forum Global Shaper in 2012 and Forbes 30 under 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa in 2015.

Mr. Aboyeji holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies from the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

0110x:
I got a degree too, See all this very expensive schools are not just meant for education alone. I will say the major thing is the network. Imagine students in Loyola where the parents of most if not all students are well to do, politicians, CEOs, big industries Titans. The kind of friends and people you meet most times determine how far you are going to get in life. You know why people spend a fortune to attend Harvard? it not just for the education alone, but the network. Mark Zuckerberg meet his wife in school, Bill gate meet Paul Allen in school. That is why you see Rich kids fall in love with each other, Atiku's Daughter married A senator's son. You fall in Love with people in your circle, It almost impossible for Dangote's Daughter for instance to marry a guy schooling At Enugu state university cos their path will hardly cross. Where they won meet?

So bro, expand your horizon, Certificate alone is wouldn't do. If I have the opportunity of starting afresh in schools like covenant, America University Yola, I will gladly accept, reasons as same as above,

AceIDE:
Are you already working?

15 sit for French exam in Loyola Jesuit College
By Abubakar Yakubu | Publish Date: Nov 10 2016 2:00AM

[img]https://images.dailytrust.com.ng/cms/gall_content/2016/11/2016_11$large_PAGE_23.jpg[/img]
From left: Education Attaché, French Embassy in Abuja, Dureysseix Fanny; Jonah Amosu, SS3 Student; and Educational Program Officer, The Institute Français, Kratchkovsky Anastasia, during a French examination session at Layola Jesuit College in Abuja on Tuesday

A blind senior secondary three student, Jonah Amosu, and 14 other students from Loyola Jesuit College Abuja, on Tuesday sat for the DELF Junior Worldwide French Examination set by the Institute Français in Abuja.

Education Attaché at the French Embassy in Abuja, Dureysseix Fanny, said the exam is organised three times a year and the certificate comes from Paris.

According to her, two teachers from the French Institute invigilated the students throughout the written and oral processes of the examination, while in the case of Jonah; he used Braille and a computer with a talking software for the written exam.

Reacting to the exam, Jonah, who said he plans to study French to achieve his ambition of becoming an ambassador, commended the French government for organising the exams.

He described the talking software as flexible and amazing, adding that it helped in reading out what he was writing.

He however complained of the codes and paragraph spacing used in the French Braille System and suggested that visually impaired persons sitting for such exams be given samples to master examples before the exam proper.

Principal of the college, Fr. Joe-Stanis Okoye, SJ, said Jonah was not treated differently from other students and that he played a number of musical instruments, including the talking drum and guitar.

He said the school was happy Jonah did the exam as it would make him progress, adding that the school provided the setting that made students get informed.

MaziOmenuko:
Oga, u have no idea what you are saying. Where did you pick your stats from? We have seen results of Cowbell mathematics competition over the years how many times has a Loyola Jesuit student made it to the federal final not to talk of winning it?; have they even won it at the state level not to mention the federal level so what is your basis of that ridiculous conclusion without any stats to back it up?

Concentrate on your spare parts business, you are good at it. Stop baseless assumptions with no facts!

kennynelcon:
Heard they start learning SS subjects from jss 2

bid4rich:
They are good no doubt but why are they not in COWBELLPEDIA to compete with the rest of the school like Ambassadors and the likes. Thats where we will know whether they are that good or they are over hyped.

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.

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.