Nigeria just beat the world in science.In Rome, two teenagers from a small town in Anambra — Okeke Somtochukwu and Nwafor Emmanuel Chinedu — were named Overall Second Best in the World. Their school, Gonzaga Jesuit College, Okija, came home with 25 awards: 10 gold, three silver, nine bronze and three honourable mentions. They competed against 1,154 of the brightest minds from 54 countries and won.This should have been front-page news. Presidential tweets. National honours. Ministry press releases.Instead, silence.No congratulations from the Federal Government. No recognition from the Ministry of Education. Nothing.Gonzaga’s victory is not just a story about brilliant students. It is an indictment. It asks the hard question Nigeria keeps avoiding: why does excellence keep coming from private classrooms, private funding, and private sacrifice — while public schools rot under leaking roofs and scholarship students cry on video from abroad? The medals are gold. The message is heavier: until the government treats education like a responsibility, not an afterthought, Nigeria’s future will keep being built by people the state refuses to celebrate.The victory did not happen by chance. It was engineered. At the 2026 International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome from July 2 to July 8, Gonzaga’s students faced the world’s best — over 1,154 participants from 54 countries. They didn’t just show up. They dominated. That haul of 25 awards was the product of years of preparation, not luck. The STEM Olympiad itself is not a one-day test. It is a multi-stage global competition involving qualification exams, final rankings, the “Best of the Best” round, and then the grand finale, where only top students worldwide compete. In Rome, Gonzaga’s students stood against elite STEM schools from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas and proved that with the right system, Nigerian children can win anywhere.That system is deliberate. Gonzaga Jesuit College is not a miracle school. Founded by Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi in partnership with the Society of Jesus, it builds on a 500-year Jesuit tradition of discipline, critical thinking and leadership. Its stated goal is “not just to educate, but to form people of depth – intellectually, spiritually, and psychologically”. That translates to expert coaches, global exposure, an advanced STEM curriculum, and an environment where innovation is expected, not punished.Related NewsFG begins fresh count of Nigeria’s out-of-school childrenA’Ibom approves N1.9bn to settle students’ exams feesOloyede’s transformative legacy at JAMBThe same story plays out across private initiatives. Much of the attention has also turned to Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare. For years, he has filled the gap the government left open. He sponsored three Nigerian students and their teachers to Rome — a bill of over €40,000 for registration, visas, flights and accommodation. He also ran the South-East Mathematics Olympiad that pulled in more than 11,500 students to hunt for talent. In June, he alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian mathematics prodigy to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. In May 2025, he challenged JAMB’s handling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination after complaints over unexpectedly low scores, arguing the issue went beyond a technical glitch. He has also raised concerns about the condition of the Onitsha Divisional Library in Anambra State, and about allegations of extortion and sex-for-grades in universities, calling for investigations. Whether you agree with him or not, he keeps asking the question the government avoids: Who is investing in Nigerian children?And yet, public schools are still abandoned. While private schools produce world champions, many government schools still battle inadequate facilities, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technology. At the same time, videos have surfaced of Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad alleging severe hardship, serious health challenges, and, in one case, a death, due to delayed stipends. The government disputed abandonment. But the question remains: why are beneficiaries of a state programme forced to go public to beg the same state for help?This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? In Rome, two teenagers from a small town in Anambra — Okeke Somtochukwu and Nwafor Emmanuel Chinedu — were named Overall Second Best in the World. Their school, Gonzaga Jesuit College, Okija, came home with 25 awards: 10 gold, three silver, nine bronze and three honourable mentions. They competed against 1,154 of the brightest minds from 54 countries and won.This should have been front-page news. Presidential tweets. National honours. Ministry press releases.Instead, silence.No congratulations from the Federal Government. No recognition from the Ministry of Education. Nothing.Gonzaga’s victory is not just a story about brilliant students. It is an indictment. It asks the hard question Nigeria keeps avoiding: why does excellence keep coming from private classrooms, private funding, and private sacrifice — while public schools rot under leaking roofs and scholarship students cry on video from abroad? The medals are gold. The message is heavier: until the government treats education like a responsibility, not an afterthought, Nigeria’s future will keep being built by people the state refuses to celebrate.The victory did not happen by chance. It was engineered. At the 2026 International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome from July 2 to July 8, Gonzaga’s students faced the world’s best — over 1,154 participants from 54 countries. They didn’t just show up. They dominated. That haul of 25 awards was the product of years of preparation, not luck. The STEM Olympiad itself is not a one-day test. It is a multi-stage global competition involving qualification exams, final rankings, the “Best of the Best” round, and then the grand finale, where only top students worldwide compete. In Rome, Gonzaga’s students stood against elite STEM schools from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas and proved that with the right system, Nigerian children can win anywhere.That system is deliberate. Gonzaga Jesuit College is not a miracle school. Founded by Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi in partnership with the Society of Jesus, it builds on a 500-year Jesuit tradition of discipline, critical thinking and leadership. Its stated goal is “not just to educate, but to form people of depth – intellectually, spiritually, and psychologically”. That translates to expert coaches, global exposure, an advanced STEM curriculum, and an environment where innovation is expected, not punished.Related NewsFG begins fresh count of Nigeria’s out-of-school childrenA’Ibom approves N1.9bn to settle students’ exams feesOloyede’s transformative legacy at JAMBThe same story plays out across private initiatives. Much of the attention has also turned to Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare. For years, he has filled the gap the government left open. He sponsored three Nigerian students and their teachers to Rome — a bill of over €40,000 for registration, visas, flights and accommodation. He also ran the South-East Mathematics Olympiad that pulled in more than 11,500 students to hunt for talent. In June, he alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian mathematics prodigy to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. In May 2025, he challenged JAMB’s handling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination after complaints over unexpectedly low scores, arguing the issue went beyond a technical glitch. He has also raised concerns about the condition of the Onitsha Divisional Library in Anambra State, and about allegations of extortion and sex-for-grades in universities, calling for investigations. Whether you agree with him or not, he keeps asking the question the government avoids: Who is investing in Nigerian children?And yet, public schools are still abandoned. While private schools produce world champions, many government schools still battle inadequate facilities, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technology. At the same time, videos have surfaced of Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad alleging severe hardship, serious health challenges, and, in one case, a death, due to delayed stipends. The government disputed abandonment. But the question remains: why are beneficiaries of a state programme forced to go public to beg the same state for help?This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? This should have been front-page news. Presidential tweets. National honours. Ministry press releases.Instead, silence.No congratulations from the Federal Government. No recognition from the Ministry of Education. Nothing.Gonzaga’s victory is not just a story about brilliant students. It is an indictment. It asks the hard question Nigeria keeps avoiding: why does excellence keep coming from private classrooms, private funding, and private sacrifice — while public schools rot under leaking roofs and scholarship students cry on video from abroad? The medals are gold. The message is heavier: until the government treats education like a responsibility, not an afterthought, Nigeria’s future will keep being built by people the state refuses to celebrate.The victory did not happen by chance. It was engineered. At the 2026 International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome from July 2 to July 8, Gonzaga’s students faced the world’s best — over 1,154 participants from 54 countries. They didn’t just show up. They dominated. That haul of 25 awards was the product of years of preparation, not luck. The STEM Olympiad itself is not a one-day test. It is a multi-stage global competition involving qualification exams, final rankings, the “Best of the Best” round, and then the grand finale, where only top students worldwide compete. In Rome, Gonzaga’s students stood against elite STEM schools from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas and proved that with the right system, Nigerian children can win anywhere.That system is deliberate. Gonzaga Jesuit College is not a miracle school. Founded by Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi in partnership with the Society of Jesus, it builds on a 500-year Jesuit tradition of discipline, critical thinking and leadership. Its stated goal is “not just to educate, but to form people of depth – intellectually, spiritually, and psychologically”. That translates to expert coaches, global exposure, an advanced STEM curriculum, and an environment where innovation is expected, not punished.Related NewsFG begins fresh count of Nigeria’s out-of-school childrenA’Ibom approves N1.9bn to settle students’ exams feesOloyede’s transformative legacy at JAMBThe same story plays out across private initiatives. Much of the attention has also turned to Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare. For years, he has filled the gap the government left open. He sponsored three Nigerian students and their teachers to Rome — a bill of over €40,000 for registration, visas, flights and accommodation. He also ran the South-East Mathematics Olympiad that pulled in more than 11,500 students to hunt for talent. In June, he alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian mathematics prodigy to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. In May 2025, he challenged JAMB’s handling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination after complaints over unexpectedly low scores, arguing the issue went beyond a technical glitch. He has also raised concerns about the condition of the Onitsha Divisional Library in Anambra State, and about allegations of extortion and sex-for-grades in universities, calling for investigations. Whether you agree with him or not, he keeps asking the question the government avoids: Who is investing in Nigerian children?And yet, public schools are still abandoned. While private schools produce world champions, many government schools still battle inadequate facilities, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technology. At the same time, videos have surfaced of Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad alleging severe hardship, serious health challenges, and, in one case, a death, due to delayed stipends. The government disputed abandonment. But the question remains: why are beneficiaries of a state programme forced to go public to beg the same state for help?This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? Instead, silence.No congratulations from the Federal Government. No recognition from the Ministry of Education. Nothing.Gonzaga’s victory is not just a story about brilliant students. It is an indictment. It asks the hard question Nigeria keeps avoiding: why does excellence keep coming from private classrooms, private funding, and private sacrifice — while public schools rot under leaking roofs and scholarship students cry on video from abroad? The medals are gold. The message is heavier: until the government treats education like a responsibility, not an afterthought, Nigeria’s future will keep being built by people the state refuses to celebrate.The victory did not happen by chance. It was engineered. At the 2026 International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome from July 2 to July 8, Gonzaga’s students faced the world’s best — over 1,154 participants from 54 countries. They didn’t just show up. They dominated. That haul of 25 awards was the product of years of preparation, not luck. The STEM Olympiad itself is not a one-day test. It is a multi-stage global competition involving qualification exams, final rankings, the “Best of the Best” round, and then the grand finale, where only top students worldwide compete. In Rome, Gonzaga’s students stood against elite STEM schools from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas and proved that with the right system, Nigerian children can win anywhere.That system is deliberate. Gonzaga Jesuit College is not a miracle school. Founded by Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi in partnership with the Society of Jesus, it builds on a 500-year Jesuit tradition of discipline, critical thinking and leadership. Its stated goal is “not just to educate, but to form people of depth – intellectually, spiritually, and psychologically”. That translates to expert coaches, global exposure, an advanced STEM curriculum, and an environment where innovation is expected, not punished.Related NewsFG begins fresh count of Nigeria’s out-of-school childrenA’Ibom approves N1.9bn to settle students’ exams feesOloyede’s transformative legacy at JAMBThe same story plays out across private initiatives. Much of the attention has also turned to Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare. For years, he has filled the gap the government left open. He sponsored three Nigerian students and their teachers to Rome — a bill of over €40,000 for registration, visas, flights and accommodation. He also ran the South-East Mathematics Olympiad that pulled in more than 11,500 students to hunt for talent. In June, he alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian mathematics prodigy to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. In May 2025, he challenged JAMB’s handling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination after complaints over unexpectedly low scores, arguing the issue went beyond a technical glitch. He has also raised concerns about the condition of the Onitsha Divisional Library in Anambra State, and about allegations of extortion and sex-for-grades in universities, calling for investigations. Whether you agree with him or not, he keeps asking the question the government avoids: Who is investing in Nigerian children?And yet, public schools are still abandoned. While private schools produce world champions, many government schools still battle inadequate facilities, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technology. At the same time, videos have surfaced of Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad alleging severe hardship, serious health challenges, and, in one case, a death, due to delayed stipends. The government disputed abandonment. But the question remains: why are beneficiaries of a state programme forced to go public to beg the same state for help?This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? No congratulations from the Federal Government. No recognition from the Ministry of Education. Nothing.Gonzaga’s victory is not just a story about brilliant students. It is an indictment. It asks the hard question Nigeria keeps avoiding: why does excellence keep coming from private classrooms, private funding, and private sacrifice — while public schools rot under leaking roofs and scholarship students cry on video from abroad? The medals are gold. The message is heavier: until the government treats education like a responsibility, not an afterthought, Nigeria’s future will keep being built by people the state refuses to celebrate.The victory did not happen by chance. It was engineered. At the 2026 International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome from July 2 to July 8, Gonzaga’s students faced the world’s best — over 1,154 participants from 54 countries. They didn’t just show up. They dominated. That haul of 25 awards was the product of years of preparation, not luck. The STEM Olympiad itself is not a one-day test. It is a multi-stage global competition involving qualification exams, final rankings, the “Best of the Best” round, and then the grand finale, where only top students worldwide compete. In Rome, Gonzaga’s students stood against elite STEM schools from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas and proved that with the right system, Nigerian children can win anywhere.That system is deliberate. Gonzaga Jesuit College is not a miracle school. Founded by Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi in partnership with the Society of Jesus, it builds on a 500-year Jesuit tradition of discipline, critical thinking and leadership. Its stated goal is “not just to educate, but to form people of depth – intellectually, spiritually, and psychologically”. That translates to expert coaches, global exposure, an advanced STEM curriculum, and an environment where innovation is expected, not punished.Related NewsFG begins fresh count of Nigeria’s out-of-school childrenA’Ibom approves N1.9bn to settle students’ exams feesOloyede’s transformative legacy at JAMBThe same story plays out across private initiatives. Much of the attention has also turned to Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare. For years, he has filled the gap the government left open. He sponsored three Nigerian students and their teachers to Rome — a bill of over €40,000 for registration, visas, flights and accommodation. He also ran the South-East Mathematics Olympiad that pulled in more than 11,500 students to hunt for talent. In June, he alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian mathematics prodigy to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. In May 2025, he challenged JAMB’s handling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination after complaints over unexpectedly low scores, arguing the issue went beyond a technical glitch. He has also raised concerns about the condition of the Onitsha Divisional Library in Anambra State, and about allegations of extortion and sex-for-grades in universities, calling for investigations. Whether you agree with him or not, he keeps asking the question the government avoids: Who is investing in Nigerian children?And yet, public schools are still abandoned. While private schools produce world champions, many government schools still battle inadequate facilities, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technology. At the same time, videos have surfaced of Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad alleging severe hardship, serious health challenges, and, in one case, a death, due to delayed stipends. The government disputed abandonment. But the question remains: why are beneficiaries of a state programme forced to go public to beg the same state for help?This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? Gonzaga’s victory is not just a story about brilliant students. It is an indictment. It asks the hard question Nigeria keeps avoiding: why does excellence keep coming from private classrooms, private funding, and private sacrifice — while public schools rot under leaking roofs and scholarship students cry on video from abroad? The medals are gold. The message is heavier: until the government treats education like a responsibility, not an afterthought, Nigeria’s future will keep being built by people the state refuses to celebrate.The victory did not happen by chance. It was engineered. At the 2026 International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome from July 2 to July 8, Gonzaga’s students faced the world’s best — over 1,154 participants from 54 countries. They didn’t just show up. They dominated. That haul of 25 awards was the product of years of preparation, not luck. The STEM Olympiad itself is not a one-day test. It is a multi-stage global competition involving qualification exams, final rankings, the “Best of the Best” round, and then the grand finale, where only top students worldwide compete. In Rome, Gonzaga’s students stood against elite STEM schools from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas and proved that with the right system, Nigerian children can win anywhere.That system is deliberate. Gonzaga Jesuit College is not a miracle school. Founded by Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi in partnership with the Society of Jesus, it builds on a 500-year Jesuit tradition of discipline, critical thinking and leadership. Its stated goal is “not just to educate, but to form people of depth – intellectually, spiritually, and psychologically”. That translates to expert coaches, global exposure, an advanced STEM curriculum, and an environment where innovation is expected, not punished.Related NewsFG begins fresh count of Nigeria’s out-of-school childrenA’Ibom approves N1.9bn to settle students’ exams feesOloyede’s transformative legacy at JAMBThe same story plays out across private initiatives. Much of the attention has also turned to Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare. For years, he has filled the gap the government left open. He sponsored three Nigerian students and their teachers to Rome — a bill of over €40,000 for registration, visas, flights and accommodation. He also ran the South-East Mathematics Olympiad that pulled in more than 11,500 students to hunt for talent. In June, he alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian mathematics prodigy to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. In May 2025, he challenged JAMB’s handling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination after complaints over unexpectedly low scores, arguing the issue went beyond a technical glitch. He has also raised concerns about the condition of the Onitsha Divisional Library in Anambra State, and about allegations of extortion and sex-for-grades in universities, calling for investigations. Whether you agree with him or not, he keeps asking the question the government avoids: Who is investing in Nigerian children?And yet, public schools are still abandoned. While private schools produce world champions, many government schools still battle inadequate facilities, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technology. At the same time, videos have surfaced of Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad alleging severe hardship, serious health challenges, and, in one case, a death, due to delayed stipends. The government disputed abandonment. But the question remains: why are beneficiaries of a state programme forced to go public to beg the same state for help?This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? The victory did not happen by chance. It was engineered. At the 2026 International STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome from July 2 to July 8, Gonzaga’s students faced the world’s best — over 1,154 participants from 54 countries. They didn’t just show up. They dominated. That haul of 25 awards was the product of years of preparation, not luck. The STEM Olympiad itself is not a one-day test. It is a multi-stage global competition involving qualification exams, final rankings, the “Best of the Best” round, and then the grand finale, where only top students worldwide compete. In Rome, Gonzaga’s students stood against elite STEM schools from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas and proved that with the right system, Nigerian children can win anywhere.That system is deliberate. Gonzaga Jesuit College is not a miracle school. Founded by Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi in partnership with the Society of Jesus, it builds on a 500-year Jesuit tradition of discipline, critical thinking and leadership. Its stated goal is “not just to educate, but to form people of depth – intellectually, spiritually, and psychologically”. That translates to expert coaches, global exposure, an advanced STEM curriculum, and an environment where innovation is expected, not punished.Related NewsFG begins fresh count of Nigeria’s out-of-school childrenA’Ibom approves N1.9bn to settle students’ exams feesOloyede’s transformative legacy at JAMBThe same story plays out across private initiatives. Much of the attention has also turned to Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare. For years, he has filled the gap the government left open. He sponsored three Nigerian students and their teachers to Rome — a bill of over €40,000 for registration, visas, flights and accommodation. He also ran the South-East Mathematics Olympiad that pulled in more than 11,500 students to hunt for talent. In June, he alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian mathematics prodigy to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. In May 2025, he challenged JAMB’s handling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination after complaints over unexpectedly low scores, arguing the issue went beyond a technical glitch. He has also raised concerns about the condition of the Onitsha Divisional Library in Anambra State, and about allegations of extortion and sex-for-grades in universities, calling for investigations. Whether you agree with him or not, he keeps asking the question the government avoids: Who is investing in Nigerian children?And yet, public schools are still abandoned. While private schools produce world champions, many government schools still battle inadequate facilities, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technology. At the same time, videos have surfaced of Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad alleging severe hardship, serious health challenges, and, in one case, a death, due to delayed stipends. The government disputed abandonment. But the question remains: why are beneficiaries of a state programme forced to go public to beg the same state for help?This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? That system is deliberate. Gonzaga Jesuit College is not a miracle school. Founded by Dr Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi in partnership with the Society of Jesus, it builds on a 500-year Jesuit tradition of discipline, critical thinking and leadership. Its stated goal is “not just to educate, but to form people of depth – intellectually, spiritually, and psychologically”. That translates to expert coaches, global exposure, an advanced STEM curriculum, and an environment where innovation is expected, not punished.Related NewsFG begins fresh count of Nigeria’s out-of-school childrenA’Ibom approves N1.9bn to settle students’ exams feesOloyede’s transformative legacy at JAMBThe same story plays out across private initiatives. Much of the attention has also turned to Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare. For years, he has filled the gap the government left open. He sponsored three Nigerian students and their teachers to Rome — a bill of over €40,000 for registration, visas, flights and accommodation. He also ran the South-East Mathematics Olympiad that pulled in more than 11,500 students to hunt for talent. In June, he alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian mathematics prodigy to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. In May 2025, he challenged JAMB’s handling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination after complaints over unexpectedly low scores, arguing the issue went beyond a technical glitch. He has also raised concerns about the condition of the Onitsha Divisional Library in Anambra State, and about allegations of extortion and sex-for-grades in universities, calling for investigations. Whether you agree with him or not, he keeps asking the question the government avoids: Who is investing in Nigerian children?And yet, public schools are still abandoned. While private schools produce world champions, many government schools still battle inadequate facilities, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technology. At the same time, videos have surfaced of Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad alleging severe hardship, serious health challenges, and, in one case, a death, due to delayed stipends. The government disputed abandonment. But the question remains: why are beneficiaries of a state programme forced to go public to beg the same state for help?This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? The same story plays out across private initiatives. Much of the attention has also turned to Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare. For years, he has filled the gap the government left open. He sponsored three Nigerian students and their teachers to Rome — a bill of over €40,000 for registration, visas, flights and accommodation. He also ran the South-East Mathematics Olympiad that pulled in more than 11,500 students to hunt for talent. In June, he alleged that the Federal Ministry of Education failed to sponsor a 15-year-old Nigerian mathematics prodigy to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China. In May 2025, he challenged JAMB’s handling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination after complaints over unexpectedly low scores, arguing the issue went beyond a technical glitch. He has also raised concerns about the condition of the Onitsha Divisional Library in Anambra State, and about allegations of extortion and sex-for-grades in universities, calling for investigations. Whether you agree with him or not, he keeps asking the question the government avoids: Who is investing in Nigerian children?And yet, public schools are still abandoned. While private schools produce world champions, many government schools still battle inadequate facilities, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technology. At the same time, videos have surfaced of Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad alleging severe hardship, serious health challenges, and, in one case, a death, due to delayed stipends. The government disputed abandonment. But the question remains: why are beneficiaries of a state programme forced to go public to beg the same state for help?This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? And yet, public schools are still abandoned. While private schools produce world champions, many government schools still battle inadequate facilities, shortages of learning materials and limited access to technology. At the same time, videos have surfaced of Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad alleging severe hardship, serious health challenges, and, in one case, a death, due to delayed stipends. The government disputed abandonment. But the question remains: why are beneficiaries of a state programme forced to go public to beg the same state for help?This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? This is where the pattern becomes clear. We celebrate athletes instantly. We roll out drums for footballers. But when students bring home 25 international awards in science and technology, there is silence. For many in the South-East, this feels familiar — achievements from the region rarely get the same national attention. Whether this perception reflects government intention or not, it is a concern that public institutions must take seriously. Academic achievements should belong to the entire country. Recognition should not depend on where you come from, the school you attend, or the political implications attached to celebrating them.Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? Azudialu-Obiejesi’s investment created a pipeline of global exposure and mentorship. Alex Onyia’s Educare stepped in where the state failed. These are commendable acts. They are also dangerous precedents. A country should not depend on the generosity of individuals to represent it on the world stage. Excellence cannot be an accident, and it cannot be outsourced to philanthropists and tech CEOs forever.Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? Gonzaga’s victory proves one thing: Nigerian children can compete with the best in the world when talent meets opportunity. Even against better-funded STEM ecosystems, our students showed that excellence is possible. The government’s job is not just to clap after the fact. It is to build classrooms without leaks. To fund labs. To pay teachers. To sponsor prodigies without delay. To ensure that a child in a public school in Maiduguri, Makurdi or Mbaise has the same shot as a child in Okija.If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? If Nigeria celebrates athletes who win international competitions, it should also celebrate and support students who represent the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The country’s future will not only be shaped by political leaders. It will also be shaped by scientists, engineers, innovators and researchers.Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? Until then, we will keep producing world champions by exception, not by design.The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive? The medals are already in Nigeria. The question is: will the system that produced them ever arrive?