By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The second edition of the Mathalon Mathematics Competition has successfully ended in Awka, Anambra State, with pupils from 22 primary schools across the state displaying exceptional brilliance, speed and analytical skills in a keenly-contested academic championship aimed at promoting excellence in mathematics education among young learners.
The 2026 competition, popularly known as Mathalon 2.0, which held at the headquarters of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), attracted pupils in Primary Five and Primary Six categories, alongside teachers, parents, education stakeholders and distinguished guests, all of whom gathered to witness what has gradually evolved into one of the state’s fast-growing grassroots academic competitions.
Organised by mathematics enthusiast and education advocate, Mr. Friday Ebubedike, and the Mathalon Team, the annual competition featured multiple rounds of intellectually demanding tasks designed to assess contestants’ numerical ability, critical thinking, speed, accuracy and problem-solving skills, while also encouraging healthy academic rivalry among participating schools.
At the end of the exercise, UNIZIK Primary School, Awka, emerged overall champions, while Gran Hermano School finished second. Kingdom Heritage School, Awka, came third, with Benbee Unique Primary School and Candy Kiddies International Schools, Awka, placing fourth and fifth respectively.
The outstanding schools and pupils were rewarded with cash prizes, educational gift items and certificates in recognition of their exceptional performances, while participants also received certificates for taking part in the competition.
The annual competition, initiated by mathematics enthusiast and education advocate, Mr. Friday Ebubedike, is aimed at promoting excellence in mathematics education, encouraging healthy academic competition among pupils, and nurturing critical thinking and analytical skills from an early age.
Speaking during the event, Ebubedike explained that Mathalon was conceived to change the perception many young learners have about mathematics by making the subject more practical, engaging and enjoyable through healthy competition and innovative learning methods.
According to him, beyond producing winners, the competition seeks to rekindle pupils’ interest in mathematics while encouraging hard work, creativity and problem-solving abilities that are essential in science, technology and national development.
The organisers also introduced entertaining extracurricular activities during this year’s edition of the competition, including a traditional dance performance and a “Gorilla Charade”. The performance by the gorilla (popularly known as ‘High Spirit’) was aimed at entertaining and creating a relaxed atmosphere for the pupils and making the event more memorable, according to the event organizers and the owner of the gorilla (Chibuike Ụgbọ: 07040493011) who also used the opportunity to announce their availability for shows, children parties and other outdoor activities.
The event attracted notable personalities from the academic community and beyond, including Professor of Mathematics at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Eric U. Ofoedu, and Professor of Business Administration, Management and Entrepreneurship, Prof. Clementina Uchenna Agbionu, who delivered motivational talks encouraging the pupils to remain committed to academic excellence.
Other personalities present included the Chairman of the occasion and South-East Coordinator of the Coalition of Nigeria Youths on Security and Safety Affairs, Ambassador Chibuzor Ekwenye; Dr. Chioma Onyejedum Amarachukwu; and Rabbi Dennis Onyedinma Ebubedike, among other guests, who commended the organisers for sustaining an initiative that promotes academic excellence among children.
Special recognition awards were also presented to the Chairman of the Anambra North Traditional Rulers Council and Deputy Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Benjamin Onukwube Okeji (Ezedioramma of Omasi); the Chief Executive Officer of Blind To Go (BTG), Hon. Shawn C. Enekwechi; and the Chief Executive Officer of Space and Geomatics Solutions Limited, Surveyor Williams Okey Okorukwu, in appreciation of their support for the initiative.
In a related development, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, was honoured with the Mathalon Patronship Award in recognition of his support for the competition and his commitment to advancing quality education in the state.
Receiving the award, Dr. Ogugua reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to continue supporting programmes that align with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s education transformation agenda, noting that such initiatives complement government’s efforts to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required in an increasingly competitive world.
The award presentation to the commissioner, which took place in his office, was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ifeoma Agbaizu; the Director of Schools, Mrs. Oyibo Alor; and members of the Mathalon team.
Speaking to newsmen on the significance of the event, the founder of Mathalon, Mr. Ebubedike, expressed gratitude to the sponsors, judges, volunteers, participating schools and other supporters whose contributions ensured the successful hosting of the second edition.
He particularly commended the pupils for their impressive performances and urged schools that did not make it to the winners’ list not to be discouraged but to prepare for subsequent editions.
Ebubedike also appreciated the numerous organisations and individuals who supported the competition, noting that their contributions would inspire the organisers to continue expanding the initiative.
He expressed optimism that Mathalon would continue to grow into one of Nigeria’s foremost grassroots mathematics competitions, while calling on more government agencies, corporate organisations, philanthropists and education stakeholders to partner with the initiative in nurturing the next generation of mathematicians, innovators and problem-solvers.
The successful hosting of the second edition comes about one year after the maiden Mathalon competition, which attracted loud commendation from relevant stakeholders for its innovative approach to promoting mathematics education among primary school pupils in Anambra State; even as the organisers look forward to a greater 3rd edition in 2027.
More photos from the event:
