10-Year-Old Pupil Wins ₦15.5m Scholarship, Laptop in Imo Maths Competition

A 10-year-old Primary Five pupil of Diamond Specialist School, Owerri, Jeffery Obinna, has emerged winner of the fourth edition of the Smart Kids Mathematics Competition organised by Shekinah British International School (SBIS), Ihiagwa, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

The competition, held in Owerri, rewarded the champion with ₦500,000 cash, a ₦15 million education scholarship grant and a brand new laptop.

Two other pupils — Okwaraoka Chinedu and Jekwu Ebere, both aged 10 and from Limitless School, Owerri — clinched the second and third positions respectively. They received ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 cash prizes, alongside brand new laptops. About 20 other participants received consolation prizes.

The initiative, sponsored by the Chairman/CEO of SBIS, Chief Dr. Obinna Smart Unegbu, provided free online registration to ensure broad participation by interested pupils across the state, regardless of background or location.

Participating schools included Living Word Academy, Rosykids, White Label School, Great Achievers School, New Day School, Dayton’s Montessori Academy, Our World International School, Great Excel, Milky Way and Best Kids Montessori School, among others.

Out of 145 pupils who took part in the first stage, only eight finalists advanced after screening and a keenly contested Computer-Based Test (CBT).

Speaking at the event, the Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha, who was represented by the Director of School Sports in the ministry, Mr. Joseph Chukwuemeka Nwonu, described the initiative as a major step toward rekindling interest in mathematics among young learners, many of whom tend to favour arts-related subjects.

He commended SBIS for setting a standard worthy of emulation by both public and private schools and reaffirmed the state government’s willingness to partner with initiatives that promote academic excellence.

In his remarks, SBIS Chairman, Unegbu, said the competition was borne out of a passion to nurture a new generation of mathematicians capable of transforming society. He noted that many pupils perceive mathematics as difficult, stressing the need to build strong foundational skills early.

Expressing gratitude, the winner, Jeffery Obinna, thanked God, his teachers and the school’s management for the opportunity.

“I thank the proprietor of Shekinah British International School for giving me the scholarship, the computer and the cash prize. May God replenish him,” he said, adding that the victory has motivated him to aim higher in his academic pursuits.

Some mathematics teachers at the event, including Mr. Amadi Chigozie of Award International Nursery and Primary School, Owerri, and Mr. Kalu Michael John of Limitless School, described the competition as a milestone in boosting awareness and strengthening mathematical competence among pupils.

The event drew commendations from stakeholders who described it as a laudable effort to promote excellence in science and mathematics education in Imo State.