Imo Emerges Overall Winner at Inaugural South-East Mathematics Olympiad

The inaugural South-East Mathematics Olympiad Grand Finale was held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Enugu, bringing together top-performing students from across the region to compete in a contest aimed at promoting excellence in mathematics and science education.

The Olympiad, convened by education advocate Alex Onyia, attracted participation from 11,522 students across the five South-East states during the preliminary stage before the best contestants advanced to the grand finale.

Organisers said the competition was designed to strengthen interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education among young learners in the region.

The contest was divided into three categories: Primary Category for primary school pupils, Junior Category for students in JSS1 to JSS3, and Senior Category for students in SS1 to SS3.

In the Primary Category, Egejurum Onyedikachi of Diamond Special College, located in Owerri, emerged winner and received a cash prize of ₦2 million.

Three students from Evergreen School topped the Junior Category and collectively won ₦8 million, while their teacher was awarded ₦2 million for his contribution to their academic preparation.

In the Senior Category, Don-Anele Marvelous Munachimso, also of Diamond Special College Owerri, secured first place and received ₦5 million, while his teacher was awarded ₦1 million. Munachimso had recently won a $100,000 scholarship opportunity in Canada.

At the end of the competition, Imo State emerged as the overall winner of the Olympiad.

Education stakeholders commended the initiative, noting that attaching attractive cash prizes to academic competitions could motivate students to pursue excellence in mathematics and other STEM-related fields.