Tinubu’s Government Delists Nigeria from International Maths Olympiad Over Funding Failure

Nigeria has been removed as a full participant from the International Mathematical Olympiad after the Federal Government failed to fund the country’s participation for four consecutive years under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Education advocate and Educare CEO Alex Onyia said Nigeria will only attend this year’s finals in Shanghai, China, as an observer nation.

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 is a big shame for Nigeria.

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…

— Alex Onyia (@winexviv) June 24, 2026

The International Mathematical Olympiad, established in 1959, is regarded as the highest-level global mathematics competition for pre-university students, bringing together elite young problem-solvers from more than 100 countries annually. The 67th IMO finals are scheduled to take place in Shanghai from July 10 to 21, 2026.

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Nigeria last fielded a full team around 2020 to 2021, with no official participation in subsequent editions under President Tinubu’s watch. The National Mathematical Centre has struggled to secure the necessary government funding required to organise training camps, prepare qualifying students and sponsor their travel and participation. Onyia said Nigeria’s inability to secure its place at the competition shows the world how little this government values education under President Tinubu’s administration.

The news has sparked widespread outrage online, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s priorities. One user wrote: “If it is 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 said Nigeria cannot be great when money meant for education and health is being mismanaged by selfish leaders. Others described the development as disheartening and shameful, arguing that entertainment and politics should not overshadow education.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Ministry of Education nor the National Mathematical Centre had publicly responded to the allegation. But the message is clear: under Tinubu’s watch, even the nation’s brightest minds have been abandoned.

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