By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Barely one year after making headlines for organizing what has been described as one of the most inspiring grassroots educational initiatives in Anambra State, young mathematics enthusiast and palm oil hawker, Ebubedike Friday Ugochukwu, has announced plans for the second edition of the Mathalon Mathematics Competition for primary school pupils in the state.
The much-anticipated educational event, which is scheduled to hold on June 26, 2026, at the ASUBEB Hall in Awka, is expected to bring together brilliant young pupils from different schools across Anambra State for another intellectually-stimulating contest aimed at promoting mathematical excellence, confidence, and problem-solving culture among children.
Ebubedike, a graduate of Electronic and Computer Technology from the University of Calabar, had attracted public admiration in 2024 after he was seen hawking palm oil on the streets of Awka while also dedicating his time and personal resources to teaching mathematics and mentoring schoolchildren.
Despite his financial limitations, the 33-year-old indigene of Umuahia, Abia State, went ahead to establish the Mathalon initiative with proceeds from his palm oil business, driven by his passion to make mathematics more engaging, practical, and less frightening for children.
The maiden edition of the competition, which held in Awka in mid-2025, recorded remarkable success and drew commendations from educators, parents, students, and stakeholders within and outside the state, especially for its originality, impact, and the determination behind the vision.
The competition also produced winners from different schools, rewarded participating pupils with cash prizes, educational materials, certificates, and transportation support, while equally inspiring many young learners to develop stronger interest in mathematics and academic excellence.
Speaking ahead of the second edition of the event, Ebubedike explained that the vision behind Mathalon goes beyond ordinary classroom competition, further describing it as a long-term educational movement aimed at reshaping how children perceive mathematics and building a generation of confident problem-solvers.
According to him, the initiative was inspired by the concept of the Olympic Games, with the intention of creating a yearly platform where children can compete intellectually, discover their strengths, and gain confidence in learning.
He noted that the 2026 edition will feature pupils in Primary 5 and 6 categories, with winners expected to go home with cash prizes, gift items, and certificates of participation.
According to him, the Occasion will be Chaired by Ambassador Chibuzor Ekwenye, Southeast Coordinator of the Coalition of Nigeria Youths on Security and Safety Affairs.
He said the event is also expected to attract notable personalities from different sectors, including the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Benjamin Onukwube Okeji (Ezedịọramma of Omasi), who is also the Chairman of the Anambra North Traditional Rulers Council and Deputy Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.
Also expected at the event is the Mother of the Day, Prof. Clementina Uchenna Agbionu, Professor of Business Administration, Management and Entrepreneurship at Nnamdi Azikiwe University; while Prof. Eric U. Ofoedu, a professor of Mathematics at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University will be the Special Guest of Honour.
Ebubedike, while expressing optimism ahead of the event, passionately appealed for support, sponsorship, partnership, and collaboration from government institutions, private individuals, corporate organizations, philanthropists, and education-loving Nigerians, stressing that initiatives like Mathalon deserve encouragement because of their long-term impact on children and society.
According to him, sustaining and expanding the competition has become increasingly challenging financially, especially as the organizers are determined to ensure that participating pupils enjoy a memorable and rewarding experience.
He emphasized that greater support from public and private stakeholders would not only help improve the quality of the event but also help discover, nurture, and empower more young academic talents across the state.
He particularly appreciated individuals and organizations that supported the maiden edition, noting that their contributions helped in turning what many initially saw as an impossible dream into a successful reality.
The organizers also disclosed that interested sponsors and supporters can support the initiative through the official Mathalon account domiciled with U.B.A., with Account Name: Mathalon Mathematics Competition and Account Number: 1027356563.
They further encouraged members of the public to make enquiries or partnership requests through the official contact lines 08167760374 and 08152408861, or via email through mathalonmathematics@gmail.com, while updates about the event can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram via @mathalonmathematics.
Meanwhile, many of Ebubedike’s mentees have continued to excel academically in different schools within and outside Anambra, a development many observers have attributed to his unconventional but impactful style of teaching mathematics and mentoring young learners.
