Enugu Community Celebrates Young Talent With Mathematics Competition.
The Aku community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, has launched an inspiring initiative to bolster human capital development through a mathematics competition aimed at nurturing young talent. Held on 20 August 2025, the event brought together students from secondary schools across the region to showcase their mathematical prowess and foster a culture of academic excellence.
Organised by the Aku Development Association, the competition targeted junior and senior secondary students, offering them a platform to demonstrate problem-solving skills and critical thinking. The event, held at the community’s central school, saw enthusiastic participation from pupils eager to compete for cash prizes, scholarships, and educational materials. The initiative aligns with the community’s broader goal of empowering youth through education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Dr. Chijioke Okoye, chairman of the Aku Development Association, emphasized the importance of mathematics as a cornerstone for innovation and economic growth. “Our vision is to equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world,” he said during the opening ceremony. He noted that the competition was designed to inspire confidence, encourage academic diligence, and prepare students for future careers in STEM fields.
The event featured rigorous rounds of problem-solving, with questions drawn from national and international mathematics curricula. Participants tackled topics ranging from algebra and geometry to advanced calculus, depending on their academic level. Teachers and parents in attendance praised the initiative, highlighting its role in motivating students to take their studies seriously. “This is a brilliant step towards building a brighter future for our children,” said Mrs. Ngozi Eze, a parent whose daughter won in the junior category.
Winners of the competition were celebrated with certificates and prizes, including laptops and textbooks, to support their continued education. The top performer, 16-year-old Chiamaka Nwodo, an SS2 student, was awarded a scholarship to cover her tertiary education expenses. “I’m thrilled and motivated to keep pushing myself,” Chiamaka said, expressing gratitude to the organisers.
The Aku community’s effort builds on Enugu State’s growing reputation for promoting education, as seen in past successes like the 2020 Sustainable Development Goals’ national mathematics competition, where an Aku native, Chinwe Mary Blessing Onodagu, was crowned “Nigerian Mathematics Queen.” The initiative also complements state-wide programmes, such as the Enugu SME Centre’s focus on STEM education and human capital development, which aim to position Enugu as a hub for innovation.
Local leaders have pledged to make the competition an annual event, with plans to expand its scope to include more schools and additional STEM subjects. The Aku Development Association also announced partnerships with local universities to provide mentorship and career guidance for participants, ensuring the competition serves as a springboard for long-term academic and professional success.
