By John Danjuma
In a nation often overwhelmed by headlines of hardship, one institution has chosen a different focus — investing in brilliance. For over two decades, the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) has remained a shining example of what long-term, strategic investment in education can achieve.
Their flagship initiative; the Annual National Mathematics Competition (ANMC), has now entered its 22nd year, uncovering and uplifting Nigeria’s youngest mathematical minds.
At the heart of this year’s edition was a defining moment for Kogi born Mamman Jamaladeen Tahir, a student of Air Force Secondary School, Shasha, Lagos, who emerged the overall winner in the Junior Secondary Category. Beating out more than 10,000 participants across over 30 states, Tahir’s victory wasn’t just a personal milestone, it sparked a wave of celebration across the school and the Nigerian Air Force education system.
“For us in the Air Force, excellence is not limited to the skies — it is a way of life, even in the classroom,” said Squadron Leader N Gana, Commandant of the school.
“This win is a confirmation of our values and the deliberate focus of the Chief of the Air Staff on mission-oriented training and holistic development.”
Tahir, soft-spoken and focused, attributed his win to late-night study sessions, prayer, and parental support. “Sometimes I stayed up till 1 a.m. to study. I just kept pushing and trusted God,” he shared.
But behind this celebration lies the deeper story — NTIC’s unwavering commitment to nation-building through education.
At the heart of this commitment is Mr. Fevzullah Bilgin, the Managing Director of NTIC, whose vision for Nigeria’s future is bold, strategic, and deeply human.
On the occasion of the Prize giving and Award Ceremony for the 22nd Annual National Mathematics Competition (ANMC) — a nationwide contest organized by NTIC in partnership with the National Mathematical Center (NMC) last Wednesday, Mr. Bilgin offered a glimpse into the soul of the project:
“Mathematics is not just a subject,” he said. “It is the mother of all sciences. Any child who is extraordinarily talented in mathematics has the potential to be extraordinary in any field.”
And that’s precisely why NTIC has remained steadfast in its mission — not just to educate, but to ignite ambition, reward brilliance, and transform lives.”
Dr. Bilgin noted that NTIC has committed over ₦600 million annually to scholarships and competition expenses, with nearly 90 students currently benefiting from the NTIC-ANMC full scholarship scheme.
“Each year, NTIC invests over ₦600 million into this cause — ₦500 million goes directly into full scholarships for over 100 winners, and ₦100 million covers the cost of organizing the competition across the country. When you do the math, the long-term cost of supporting one cohort over six years comes to a staggering ₦3.5 billion.
It is, arguably, one of the most sustained private investments in Nigeria’s academic future.
“The Annual National Mathematics Competition is more than just a contest — it’s a powerful platform through which we give back to Nigeria. We want to ignite a lifelong love for mathematics and support children who can one day change the destiny of this country through knowledge and innovation.”
But for Mr. Bilgin, it’s not just about the numbers.
“History has shown us that a single individual with extraordinary intellect and opportunity can change the destiny of a country. We believe that some of those individuals are here today.”
This belief is what fuels NTIC’s sustainability model. Year after year, the competition reaches children as young as 10 and 11, helping them overcome their fear of mathematics and giving them a tangible goal: a scholarship, a future, a chance.
“Without motivation,” Bilgin notes, “even the brightest student may never realize their full potential. This competition gives them that motivation — a reason to push further.”
“This competition is not just about numbers,” said Mr. Bilgin, “It’s about the future. We are identifying the children who may one day become the intellectual backbone of this country.”
According to Dr. Bilgin, mathematics serves as the foundation for all scientific advancement.
“A child who is excellent in math can be excellent in anything — medicine, engineering, AI. That is the vision we are investing in.”
The competition, held in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), has gained national prestige. This year’s finalists, 52 in total, competed in the second round hosted simultaneously at NTIC Abuja and Kano.
Winners across Primary and Junior Secondary levels received cash prizes, tech gadgets, and full scholarships, with top-performing schools and teachers also rewarded.
For the NMC, the partnership with NTIC is a model worth replicating. “NTIC has raised the bar for mathematics competitions in Nigeria,” said Assoc. Prof. Solomun Gboyega Ojo, Head of Olympiad Unit at NMC.
“This competition has produced international champions and built a pipeline of future STEM leaders.”
As the applause fades and medals are hung, one thing is clear: the journey for Mamman Jamaladeen Tahir is only just beginning.
He dreams of becoming a medical doctor, but his gift in mathematics is already writing a new story — one of potential, possibility, and pride.
“This scholarship means everything,” Tahir said. “It’s motivation to keep going.”
His journey to the top was not solitary. He expressed deep gratitude to his parents for their unflinching support and to his school for nurturing his academic pursuit. “I thank my parents for sponsoring me and my teachers for their constant guidance,” he said.
Jamaladeen also had special words for the organizers of the competition. “I want to thank NTIC ANMC for this honour. Winning this medal and receiving a scholarship means so much to me.”
“From now on, I’ll keep pushing myself and getting better at mathematics.”
When asked about advice for his peers, his message was clear: “Keep trying. Extend your study time, stay focused, and always pray.”
And thanks to NTIC, thousands of other children like him will get the same chance — to dream bigger, study harder, and lead Nigeria into a brighter tomorrow.
The 2025 champions include:
Primary School Category
Shedrack Chijioke Udeh Jnr – Diamond Special School, Imo State
Olasehinde Darasimi David – Genius Tonic Heights School, Ondo State
Ifeanyi Uchegbu Einstein – Pleroma International School, Rivers State
Junior Secondary Category
Jamalaldeen Mamman Tahir – Airforce Secondary School, Lagos State
Kaetochukwu Uzoewulu Brian – Hillrange Secondary School, Enugu State
Eghosa Emmanuel James – Beacon of Success School, Edo State
Winners received cash prizes ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000, while their teachers were honored with up to ₦400,000 each.
Schools were not left out — NTIC gifted high-performing institutions with tablets, desktop computers, and printers to strengthen learning environments.
