Nigeria has recorded an impressive outing at the 2026 Singapore International Mathematics Olympiad Challenge, with two students finishing among the world’s top 10 while the country’s contingent won several gold, silver and bronze medals.
The competition, held in Singapore from July 17 to 21, attracted about 2,285 students from 40 countries and 1,113 schools, who competed in advanced mathematics, logical reasoning and critical-thinking challenges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Nigerian Director of the Singapore International Mathematics Olympiad Challenge, Ms Josiah Mercy, described the competition as one of the world’s most demanding mathematics contests, known for its high academic standards and innovative format.
She said the performance of the Nigerian students reflected the country’s academic potential and ability to compete globally.
“Success at SIMOC is internationally recognised as a mark of exceptional academic excellence. The prestigious award ceremony reflected the competition’s international stature, with the attendance of the Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Francisca Omayuli, the United States Ambassador, and ambassadors from several other participating nations, underscoring the global significance of the event.
“These outstanding achievements demonstrate the immense potential of Nigerian students to compete successfully with the very best in the world when provided with quality education, effective mentorship, and opportunities to excel internationally,” Mercy said.
She added that the achievements should encourage more young Nigerians to pursue excellence through dedication and innovation while boosting the country’s profile in international academic competitions.
“Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the 2026 Singapore International Mathematics Olympiad Challenge not only brought honour to the nation, but also reaffirmed that Nigerian students can compete with and excel alongsidethe very best young mathematicians in the world.
“The achievements underscore the value of sustained investment in quality education, effective mentorship, and international academic exposure, while strengthening Nigeria’s position as an emerging powerhouse in global mathematics and STEM education,” the statement added.
Leading Nigeria’s performance was Agu Chukwuka of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, who won two gold medals and one bronze medal in the Mathematics Olympiad Contest, Math Warriors and Math Master Mind events.
His performance earned him eighth place globally in the Grade 7 Mathematics Olympiad Contest.
Also making the global top 10 was Okpere-Udo Hallel of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, who finished second worldwide in the Grade 10 Mathematics Olympiad Contest.
Hallel also won a gold medal in the Mathematics Olympiad Contest and a bronze medal in Math Warriors.
Nigeria’s medal haul was further boosted by Nwawulu Chimgozirim Kevin of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, who claimed gold in the Math Master Mind (Lower Secondary Division).
Stanley Iduate Samson of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, and Adepetu Mofopefoluwa Oluwasemilore of Jephthah Comprehensive Secondary School, Port Harcourt, also won gold medals in the Math Master Mind (Upper Secondary Division).
Other Nigerian students also secured podium finishes.
The silver medallists were Eriobu Divine Mmesoma, Okanlawon James Temitope and Onuigbo Akachukwu Franklin.
Bronze medals went to Chime Chiamaka Favour, Ezeagu Casmer, Ezeama Ifenna, Ifeanyi Olive, Adekunle Adawale, Onwuegbuna Arinze, Enyindah Chris, Emeka-Edokwe Adaeze, Okeke Destiny, Kelechi Onyemaechi and Chukwudi Chisimdiri.
Students who received honourable mentions were Tobin-Briggs Gwyneth, Nsofor Odimegwu Nnebemchukwu and Nwankwo Chinazo Anthonia.
The Singapore International Mathematics Olympiad Challenge is an annual global competition that brings together high-performing students from different countries to test their mathematical reasoning, creativity and problem-solving abilities.
The competition is recognised internationally for its rigorous standards and serves as a platform for nurturing excellence in mathematics and STEM education.
