The Chief Executive Officer of Educare and convener of the South East Maths Olympiad, Mr Alex Onyia, has outlined far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning the regional academic competition to meet international standards, following high-level engagements with a partner associated with the German Maths Olympiad. The proposed reforms focus on transparency, data integrity, technology-driven assessments, and broader public engagement.
Onyia disclosed that the discussions, which took place recently, centred on how the South East Maths Olympiad can evolve into a credible, globally respected platform for identifying and nurturing mathematical talent among young learners in Nigeria. According to him, the German partner demonstrated keen interest in the initiative and expressed readiness to provide strategic guidance to ensure the Olympiad succeeds both technically and ethically.
“She is very interested to see South East Maths Olympiad succeed and will work closely with us to ensure it’s transparent and very successful,” Onyia said, noting that such international validation reflects growing confidence in locally driven education initiatives when they are built on strong structures.
One of the most significant recommendations from the engagement was the adoption of a full Computer-Based Test (CBT) format at the first stage of the competition. Onyia explained that this move is intended to eliminate manual interference, reduce opportunities for malpractice, and align the Olympiad with global best practices in competitive examinations.
“Full CBT on the first stage will drive absolute integrity,” he stated, adding that technology-based testing would also allow organisers to generate reliable data, evidence-based reports, and verifiable performance records over time. He stressed that such data is essential for measuring impact, attracting partnerships, and sustaining credibility.
Beyond integrity, Onyia emphasised that CBT would help standardise assessment across states, ensuring that all participants are evaluated under the same conditions regardless of location. He said this uniformity is critical for fairness, especially in a regional competition involving multiple states with varying levels of educational infrastructure.
However, Onyia was quick to acknowledge the practical challenges associated with this transition. He identified limited access to computer hardware and gaps in digital literacy among some students as major concerns that must be addressed urgently if the CBT model is to succeed without excluding vulnerable learners.
“We just have to figure it out fast considering the hardware challenges and computer literacy gap that may exist,” he said, explaining that the planning team is exploring flexible solutions that balance technological advancement with inclusiveness.
As part of efforts to prepare students for the new testing format, Onyia announced the introduction of an official mock examination. The mock, he explained, is designed not only to familiarise participants with CBT environments but also to expose them to the unique reasoning style and rigor associated with Olympiad-level questions.
“We should publish a mock that will enable the children familiarise themselves with both CBT and Olympiad-type assessments,” Onyia said. He added that the initiative would help reduce exam anxiety, improve performance, and level the playing field for students encountering CBT for the first time.
He confirmed that the mock examination would be made publicly available on Saturday, January 10, 2026, giving prospective participants sufficient time to practise and identify areas where additional preparation is needed before the main competition.
In a move aimed at boosting motivation and public interest, Onyia also revealed plans to introduce a live television finale for the Olympiad. According to him, the top three performers in each category from every South Eastern state will qualify for a final round that will be broadcast live.
“We will also select the top three winners in each category per state and get them to compete on live TV for the final stage,” he said, describing the initiative as a way to celebrate academic excellence with the same visibility often reserved for sports and entertainment.
Onyia disclosed that discussions are ongoing with Afia TV to host the grand finale, noting that media involvement would help shift public perception of mathematics from a feared subject to an exciting and prestigious pursuit.
“We will likely work with AfiaTv for the Grand Finale,” he stated, adding that televised academic competitions can inspire younger students and encourage parents and schools to invest more intentionally in STEM education.
He further called on educators, parents, and education stakeholders to contribute ideas as preparations enter the final phase. “More suggestions from everyone will be appreciated as we are rounding up the planning for this,” Onyia said, emphasising that collective input strengthens ownership and sustainability.
Reiterating the inclusive nature of the Olympiad, Onyia stressed that participation is open to students across the five South Eastern states, regardless of background. “Anyone who lives in any of the five South Eastern States can participate,” he affirmed.
Concluding, Onyia placed the initiative within a broader developmental context, arguing that intellectual advancement at the regional level has far-reaching implications. “When the South East region rises intellectually, the whole continent benefits,” he said, underscoring the Olympiad’s vision of nurturing minds capable of driving Africa’s future innovation and problem-solving capacity.
