Nigeria Dropped From International Maths Olympiad After Four Years of Funding Struggles

(Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa. Photo Credit; Guardian Nigeria News)

Nigeria’s education sector has come under renewed scrutiny following the country’s effective exclusion from the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), one of the world’s most prestigious academic competitions for secondary school students.

Rather than competing alongside over 100 nations at the 67th IMO finals scheduled to hold in Shanghai, China, from July 10 to 21, 2026, Nigeria will attend only as an observer nation the consequence of failing to participate competitively for four consecutive years.

The development, which gained widespread attention after being highlighted by education advocate Alex Onyia, has been linked to the Federal Ministry of Education’s inability to provide adequate funding for student training and participation through the National Mathematical Centre (NMC).

Reports indicate that Nigeria last fielded a full team around 2020–2021, with little or no official participation in subsequent editions due to funding constraints.

Established in 1959, the IMO is widely regarded as the highest-level global mathematics competition for pre-university students.

Countries typically invest significant resources in identifying and training gifted students for the competition, viewing participation as a long-term investment in future scientists, engineers, researchers, and innovators.

Nigeria has a history of participation in the Olympiad and has previously produced students who earned international recognition, including bronze medals and honourable mentions.

However, years of inadequate government support have steadily eroded the country’s presence at the competition, raising serious concerns about the future of academic talent development.

The NMC is reported to have struggled to secure the government funding needed to organise training camps, prepare qualifying students, and cover travel and participation costs leaving talented young Nigerians who successfully navigate rigorous selection processes unable to compete on the global stage.