South East Maths Olympiad breaks Africa’s record with 22,070 entries

The South East Maths Olympiad has achieved a historic milestone, attracting 22,070 entries and setting a new record as Africa’s largest academic competition by application volume.

Alex Onyia, the convener of the Southeast Maths Olympiad, made this known via his official X handle @winexviv, when he stated that 10,162 entries for the 2027 edition were from boys, while 11,908 entries came from girls.

“This is now the largest academic event in Africa. Beyond a competition, this is a movement to identify talent, reward excellence, and inspire a new generation of problem-solvers.

“We are building the greatest workforce in Africa within 10 years,” he stated.

The organisers of the South East Maths Olympiad 2027 described the feat as a testament to the growing interest in mathematics and academic excellence among young learners across the region.

The South East Maths Olympiad 2027 is a regional mathematics competition designed to discover, inspire, and support exceptional young talents across the five South-Eastern states of Nigeria.

The initiative brings together thousands of primary and secondary school students, challenging them to think critically, solve complex problems, and develop a deeper love for mathematics.

“In 2026, over 11,500 students participated, making it one of the largest academic competitions in the region. For 2027, our goal is to expand the Olympiad to reach over 50,000 students, providing a platform where brilliant young minds can compete, learn, and be recognized for their intellectual ability.

“The Olympiad also rewards excellence through high student prizes, teacher prizes/recognition, and development grants for schools that nurture outstanding academic talent,” he stressed.

Beyond the competition, it encourages a culture where academic excellence is celebrated, and young people are motivated to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Support for this initiative helps us reach more schools, provide meaningful rewards for students and teachers, and continue building a generation of problem-solvers who will contribute to the future development of Nigeria and the world.

Recall that Egejurum Onyedikachi and Don-Anele Munachimso were winners of the primary and senior categories of the Southeast Maths Olympia in the last edition.

Both students and other winners qualified for the International STEM Olympiad competition in Rome.