Nigeria 15-year-old Math Prodigy Lost His Chance to Represent Nigeria in China

A 15-year-old mathematics prodigy from Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, Agbo Adoga, has reportedly missed the chance to represent Nigeria at an international Mathematics Olympiad in China following the government’s alleged failure to provide sponsorship.

Adoga, who hails from Benue State, has earned international recognition after emerging best in the world in Mathematics at the International STEM Olympiad in Barcelona. He also scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT, a rare academic achievement that instantly drew national attention.

The news of his accomplishment was first shared by Dr. Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, who revealed that Adoga had qualified to represent Nigeria at the global Math Olympiad. Onyia alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education was supposed to sponsor the trip but later claimed it lacked funds.

“Graceland International School, Port Harcourt just informed me that Agbo Adoga qualified to represent Nigeria in the International Maths Olympiad in China.

The Nigerian Ministry of Education said they don’t have money to sponsor anybody. So he will not attend. Nigeria lost again,” Onyia wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

However, in a statement released on Sunday, October 19, by Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, the government denied ever receiving any sponsorship request related to Adoga.

“The Federal Ministry of Education wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of any report or correspondence regarding a sponsorship request for a student said to have qualified for the International Mathematics Olympiad in China,” the statement read.

The Ministry urged the public to disregard unverified online claims, insisting that all formal education-related matters must go through official channels.

But Onyia was not convinced. He accused the ministry of being dishonest, saying records at the National Mathematical Centre in Kwali, Abuja, show that the Ministry had previously declined to fund the Olympiad.

“Go to your National Mathematical Centre in Kwali and find the response you gave when they requested Olympiad funding. You simply said no funding for anyone,” Onyia fired back.

He also warned that Nigeria could lose its position at the international level if it continues to skip participation.

“If Nigeria does not attend the International Mathematics Olympiad next year, it will be downgraded to observer status and will no longer qualify for medals,” Onyia added.

Despite this setback, Adoga’s record remains extraordinary. At just 15, he has 84 notable academic achievements, including:

• Overall Runner-up – Singapore Maths Global Finals (SMGF) 2025
• Perfect Scorer – Singapore & Asian Schools Maths Olympiad (SASMO) 2024
• 1st Place – SPE YMCTY STEM Statewide Competition
• Gold Medalist – 5th International STEM Olympiad 2025 (Maths)

According to Onyia, Adoga’s dream is to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and many believe his brilliance will open that door for him soon.

His story has reignited public debate over Nigeria’s attitude towards nurturing young talents, especially in science and technology — a reminder that many gifted students continue to suffer from lack of government support.