Three secondary schools, Utopia College, Sachel College and Eminence College have emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of Mathema 1.0 Competition, a mathematics challenge to test the students’ prowess in numbers and calculation across the country.
The thrilling competition organised by Secoken Limited, a renowned platform for skill development, opportunity creation, and rewards is aimed at encouraging academic excellence and to foster love for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects among young learners.
In the grand finale held recently in Lagos, students from Eminence College, Ogun State, clinched the ultimate trophy in the maiden competition.
Their exceptional performance earned the school a prize money of ₦500,000 for emerging the overall winners.
The first runner-up position was achieved by Utopia College from Lagos State who received a prize money of ₦300,000.
The second runner-up position was claimed by students from Sachel College, from Lagos State, who were awarded a cash prize of ₦100,000.
Joshua Ajayi, chief executive officer of Awesome Communications, and special guest of honour while presenting the cheque to the overall winners, praised the resilience of all participants at the competition, urging them to continue in their strides and not to rest on their oars.
Ajayi also commended the organisers of the competition for what he described as an exceptionally organised event.
Segun Emmanuel Osunniyi, managing director and co-founder of Secoken Limited, in his address said what inspired the firm to organise Mathema 1.0, is the quest for motivating students and providing them with a platform to compete and enhance their academic abilities.
“We initiated Mathema to encourage students in their studies and create an environment where they can develop their analytical skills through healthy competition,” he said.
He expressed excitement about the success of the competition, and growth it has witnessed so far.
“We are thrilled with the turnout and participation for this inaugural edition. Our dedicated efforts, sleepless nights, and selfless sacrifices have borne fruit,” he said.
Kolade Olubobokun, chief operating officer and co-founder of Secoken Limited, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of promoting academic excellence among secondary students in Lagos State.
“Mathema was conceived as a means to contribute to the educational landscape, fostering a greater love for STEM subjects. We recognised the value of cultivating talents at a young age and equipping them with valuable skills even before they enter higher institutions,” he said.
Olubobokun further disclosed that the maiden edition of Mathema 1.0 received an overwhelming response from schools across Lagos and Ogun States.
In addition, he said: “We are confident that the next edition will surpass this one in size, participation, and support. Mathema 1.0 sets the stage for an exciting future, empowering young minds and propelling the pursuit of excellence in mathematics.
“Secoken Limited remains committed to nurturing and celebrating the exceptional mathematical talents that emerge from the vibrant educational landscape of Lagos.”
The competition journey was a rigorous one for all participating schools, comprising various stages that led to the grand finale. The initial stage took place on October 21, 2022, with an impressive participation of approximately 200 students.
Based on their scores, a stringent shortlisting process determined the finalists who progressed to the battle for the top prize.
