Nigeria has once again proven that its brightest minds can compete and win on the world stage. At the 2026 International STEM Olympiad held in Rome, Italy, three Nigerian students, all from the East, brought home gold medals after going up against contestants from over 150 countries in mathematics and science.
This is more than a national achievement. It is a win for Africa, a reminder that the continent’s children, when given the right support and opportunity, can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.
Meet the Champions
Don Anele Munachimso Marvelous, a student of Diamond Special College in Owerri, Imo State, delivered the standout performance of the competition. He claimed gold in both mathematics and science, emerging as the best in the world in science. Before Rome, he had already been recognised as Nigeria’s best IGCSE Chemistry student and had won the overall best prize at the 2026 South East Maths Olympiad.
Egejurum Onyedikachi Ethan, an 11 year old Primary 6 pupil from Imo State, took gold in the Primary Mathematics category, earning the title of best primary school mathematician in the world. His win came as a quiet triumph, since his name was initially left out of the results before being confirmed as a gold medal.
Chimdiebube Onwubiko, a student of Evergreen Schools in Enugu State, secured gold in mathematics, adding to his reputation as the best mathematician in Nigeria at the junior secondary level.
A Win Rooted in the East, A Win for the Continent
All three students hail from East Nigeria, with two representing Imo State and one representing Enugu State. Their success reflects a growing pattern of academic excellence coming out of the South East, a region long known for its emphasis on education and achievement.
But their victory belongs to more than one state or one country. Against a field of 154 nations, these young Nigerians stood at the very top, showing the world what African children are capable of when given the platform to compete. Their gold medals now sit among the achievements that continue to build the case for greater investment in STEM education across Africa.
The Power of Private Investment in Education
The trip to Rome was fully sponsored by education advocate and Educare CEO Alex Onyia, who covered the students’ registration, visas, flights, accommodation, and other expenses. The students earned their spot on the global stage after excelling at the Southeast Mathematics Olympiad, a regional competition organised by Onyia that drew more than 11,500 participants.
Their success arrives at a time when concerns have been raised about funding challenges affecting Nigeria’s participation in major international academic competitions. It stands as proof of what private sponsorship and sustained investment in young talent can achieve, even where public support falls short.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has since approved a grand reception to honour the students, commending them for putting the state, and the country, on the global map.
Why This Matters
At Oba Group Africa, we believe that the story of Africa’s future is being written by young people like Don Anele, Egejurum, and Chimdiebube. Their achievement is a call to action for governments, private organisations, and communities across the continent to keep investing in education, mentorship, and opportunity for the next generation. Explore how our subsidiary, Oba Surveys Development Limited, is contributing to skills and capacity building across the region.
East Nigeria has once again shown the world what is possible. Africa is watching, and Africa is proud.
Want to see how Oba Group Africa is investing in Africa’s next generation? Get in touch with us to learn more about our initiatives across surveying, education, and community development.
Oba Group Africa is a diversified Nigerian holding company committed to driving growth and impact across the continent through its subsidiaries, including Oba Surveys Development Limited.
