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Nigeria has reportedly been removed as a full participant in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and will only attend this year’s competition in China as an observer nation, according to education advocate and Educare CEO, Alex Onyia.

In a statement shared on social media, Onyia described the development as a “big shame” for the country, blaming it on the inability of the Federal Ministry of Education to fund Nigeria’s participation through the National Mathematical Centre for four consecutive years.

“Nigeria has now been delisted from the International Maths Olympiad, whose finals are happening in Shanghai, China, this July. It is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the world.

“Nigeria can now only participate as an observer nation, while other countries can participate fully.

“This was because of the Ministry of Education’s inability to fund students for four consecutive years through National Mathematical Center.

“It’s a big shame for Nigeria,” Onyia said.

The International Mathematical Olympiad is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious academic contests for secondary school students, bringing together young mathematics talents from different countries to compete annually.

Nigerians express disappointment

The claim sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians criticising the government’s handling of education and lamenting what they described as misplaced national priorities.

Sylvester wrote: “If it’s a conference on climate change or one useless meeting abroad, or Big Brother, beauty pageant, they will go with 1,000 delegates including side chicks, family members and P.A, but anything educationally beneficial to youth growth is haram to them.”

Another user, Monakai, blamed the country’s educational challenges on poor leadership and the quota system.

“You guys don’t understand how nonsensical this country is. A country where they’ll award someone that didn’t finish secondary school to be minister of Education and you think our educational system will improve. Quota system is still ruining Nigeria.”

MarthaDominic described the development as “disheartening and shameful,” arguing that entertainment and politics should not overshadow education.

“BBN participants, thieving politicians, and all what nots that deviate from academia shouldn’t trump education. We need to do better as a country.”

DJay also criticised public officials, alleging that leaders prioritise their families’ education abroad while neglecting the country’s educational sector.

“Those old men in position are a big shame. Funding their own kids to the best academy abroad, using the money meant for Nigeria education and infrastructural development, shame.”

Cletus questioned the government’s spending priorities, saying: “They have money for cars for themselves. They have money for estacodes. They have money to carry an over-inflated delegation for conferences that have no direct bearing to the programme. But when it comes to education, they don’t have money for it.”

The Federal Ministry of Education and the National Mathematical Centre had not publicly responded to the allegation at the time of filing this report.