Nigeria has emerged as the winner of the 2024 World Mathematics Tournament (WMT), in which thirty-three countries and 590 schools around the world participated.
The 4th edition of the competition, organized virtually by the Mathematics for Life Foundation for Senior Secondary / High School Students globally, saw students from Welkin International Schools, Atan-Ota, Ogun State winning in both categories.
Master Emmanuel Olusanya, an SS 3 student of Welkin International Schools, won in the senior category, while Ireoluwa Olajide, an SS 1 student, beat other contenders in the junior category.
In a message presented during the awards ceremony at the premises of Welkin International School, Atan-Ota, the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the school for bringing honor and glory to the state. Represented by Mr. Sadiq Obafemi, the commissioner also congratulated the parents of the award-winning students for judiciously investing in their future.
He reiterated the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s government to providing a conducive environment and tools that will make education attractive in the state.
Chairman of Welkin International Schools, Mr. Adebayo Beckley, described the event as a day of joy for both the management and parents of the students at the school. He said the award would continue to inspire the school to maintain its leading position among its peers.
According to him, the students vigorously pursued their goals, and it was not easy to compete on the global stage. He also noted that Ireoluwa Olajide had broken many records on behalf of the school and prayed that God would grant his parents the resources to fulfill their dreams for him.
The President of Mathematics for Life Foundation, Osuntuyi Omoniyi, expressed great honor in presenting the 2024 World Mathematics Tournament awards to the students of Welkin International Schools. He mentioned that the Foundation, recognized globally as an NGO, came into existence exactly ten years ago when the awards were being presented.
Omoniyi further stated that the Foundation pays a visit to a Motherless Home every 26th of December to interact with the residents and provides free training to those who have dropped out of school in order to be self-reliant.
He said the vision of the Foundation is to raise the standard of education and eradicate illiteracy in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
Reflecting on the history of the competition, Omoniyi mentioned that it started in Alimosho, where Faith Odunsi set a record as the first winner. He noted that 8 out of 590 schools from 33 countries narrowed down to the UK, Ghana, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Tanzania participated in the final.
The Olu of Atan-Ota Aworiland, Oba Isiyemi Akinyemi Adeniji, represented by High Chief Emmanuel Adesina Ilebiyi, expressed joy in the school’s achievement and said the community is known for academic excellence.
Concluding the event with a vote of thanks, the Coordinator of the Competition Department and HOD Mathematics, Mr. Alalade Matthew Oluwaseun, attributed all the glory to God for making the school’s success possible. He prayed for God to continue to increase the love that the parents of the students have for the school.
Among those in attendance were the Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Victoria Olubunmi Beckley, and other top management staff.
