Three Nigerian students are representing the country at the Grand Finale of the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy, in what has become a symbol of private support for gifted education amid concerns over Nigeriaโs declining participation in global academic competitions.
The students, Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan (11), Onwubiko Chimduebube Victor (13), and Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous (17), earned their places after emerging among the top performers at the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad, a competition organised by education advocate and Educare CEO, Alex Onyia, which attracted more than 11,500 contestants.
The trio, accompanied by their teachers, are competing in Mathematics and Science events at the Universitร Campus Bio-Medico di Roma against participants from more than 150 countries.
Onyia, who sponsored the studentsโ flights, visas, accommodation and other travel expenses, announced on Saturday that they had arrived at the competition venue.
โToday is D-day. Our boys are now at the Universitร Campus Bio-Medico di Roma for the Grand Finale of the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy. Iโm optimistic about their victory,โ he wrote on X.
Ahead of the competition, Onyia described Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous, who is representing Nigeria in the senior category, as one of the countryโs brightest science students.
โDon Anele Munachimso Marvelous is now ready for tomorrowโs 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,โ he wrote.
He also expressed confidence in the ability of 11-year-old Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan, who is competing in the primary mathematics category.
โEgejurum Munachimso is ready for tomorrowโs 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,โ Onyia said.
In another update, Onyia disclosed that the young prodigy also opted to compete in the Science category despite having made no prior preparations.
โOur 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,โ he added.
The studentsโ participation comes weeks after concerns were raised over Nigeriaโs status at the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad in Shanghai, China.
Education advocates disclosed that Nigeria was downgraded to observer status after failing to participate competitively for several years due to funding challenges, leaving the country unable to field a full team for one of the worldโs most prestigious mathematics competitions.
Onyia had criticised the development, describing it as a setback for gifted Nigerian students while urging authorities to urgently resolve the countryโs participation challenges.
According to Business Day, the Federal Ministry of Education said it was unaware of the specific funding concerns surrounding the International Mathematical Olympiad, the sponsorship of the Rome-bound students has been viewed as an example of how private initiatives can help ensure talented Nigerian students continue to gain international exposure despite institutional challenges.
Results of the International STEM Olympiad are expected in the coming days.
