Three Nigerian students are representing the country at the Grand Finale of the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy.
The competition has attracted participants from more than 150 countries.
The students are Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan (11), Onwubiko Chimduebube Victor (13) and Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous (17).
They qualified after emerging among the best performers at the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad, which attracted over 11,500 contestants.
Students Represent Nigeria in Rome
The three students are competing in Mathematics and Science at the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma.
They travelled with their teachers to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
Education advocate and Educare CEO, Alex Onyia, sponsored their flights, visas, accommodation and other travel expenses.
“Today is D-day. Our boys are now at the Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma for the Grand Finale of the International STEM Olympiad in Rome. I’m optimistic about their victory,” Onyia wrote on X.
Onyia Praises Nigerian Representatives
Onyia described Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous, who is competing in the senior category, as one of Nigeria’s brightest science students.
“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.”
He also praised Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan, who is competing in the primary Mathematics category.
According to Onyia, the 11-year-old expressed confidence about achieving a perfect score.
Young Star Takes on Science Challenge
Onyia later revealed that Ethan also decided to compete in the Science category.
He said the young student made the decision despite having no prior preparation for the event.
“We are rooting for him to win double gold.”
Competition Highlights Nigeria’s Academic Talent
The students’ participation comes amid concerns about Nigeria’s declining presence in major international academic competitions.
Education advocates recently expressed concern after Nigeria reportedly dropped to observer status at the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad in Shanghai due to funding challenges.
The Rome competition has therefore renewed hope that talented Nigerian students can continue to shine globally with support from private organisations and education advocates.
The organisers are expected to announce the results of the International STEM Olympiad in the coming days.
