Education
The Untold Story of 2017 Cowbellpedia Finalists
The intellectual contest for the 2017 Mathematics Champion will be concluded this weekend as 12 finalists go for the titles in the final contest of the Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics Television Quiz Show, sponsored by Cowbell, the flagship brand from Promasidor Nigeria Limited.
The finalists – six each in the Junior and Senior categories – represent eight states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Rivers State tops the chart with three representatives while Ogun State has two. Benue, Osun, Abia, Kaduna, Ondo, Niger States and the FCT have one representative each.
At the end of the last semi-final, Joel Ndoh of Marist Brothers Juniorate, Aba, Abia State and Olayinka Abdulwakil of Nigerian Tulip International College Kaduna, Kaduna State completed the list of the six finalists in the Junior category.
The other finalists in the Junior category include Osasere Egharevba and Jessey Uche-Nwichi both of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State; Ezekiel Ekanem of Advanced Breed Group of Schools, Sagamu, Ogun State and Oluwafemi Adeyanju of Jesuit Memorial College, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In the Senior category, Ikechukwu Ibeh of Federal Government College, Suleja, Niger State and Evans Owamoyo of Greater Tomorrow International College, Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State picked the final two slots.
Other finalists in the Senior category are Tomiwa Olatunbosun of Bibo Oluwa Academy, Ilesha, Osun State; Munachi Ernest-Eze of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja; Oluwanifise Onafowokan of The Ambassadors College, Ota, Ogun State and Michael Paul of Excel Grace Academy, Gboko, Benue State.
The road to the final has been exciting, challenging and emotional for the contestants who are slugging it out for the crown.
Not a few of the contestants have been variously described as cool, calm, intelligent, hardworking, resolute and ambitious. For instance, 14-year-old Adeyanju scored 92 percent in the qualifying examinations, 175 points in the preliminary round and 145 points in the semi-final. His father, Oladipupo Adeyanju, described him as a “lover of challenges” as he expressed confidence in his ability to excel at the final. The same sentiment was expressed by his mother, Ajifolawe Adeyanju, who looked forward to the “big celebration and thanksgiving” that will follow the victory.
Abdulwakil who scored 98 per cent in the qualifying exam said he was scared by the suspense created by the Quiz Master before he announced his qualification for the finals. He scored 140 points in the semi-finals
His mathematics teacher, Bello Yakubu was happy about his feat and confident of a “fantastic outing” at the final. The same sentiment was expressed by his School Principal, Ahmed Omeroglu who also commended Promasidor for the initiative.
Ekanem, 14, who scored 98 per cent in the qualifying examinations, scored 130 points in the semi-finals. Bosede Ogunfowoke, the Proprietor of his school, believed his success at the final would promote the image of the school and that of the town, Sagamu. Lasisi Abu, Ekanem’s teacher, described him as very intelligent and bold for the battle ahead.
Uche-Nwichi, 13, promised to dedicate his victory to God and his parents. His father, Chukwu Uche-Nwichi, advised him to concentrate, relax and enjoy every moment of the final battle.
Ndoh’s mother, Juliet, described him as inquisitive and intelligent enough to win the competition. She advised her son to be composed and confident.
Egharevba, also 13 years old, scored 135 points to scale the semi-final hurdle. Mugene Augustine, her teacher, described her as a “no nonsense, passionate Mathematician,” while her mother, Mercy Egharevba prayed for God’s mercy for her at the final.
Ernest-Eze, the 2015 Junior category champion, is the first ex-champion to come back as a finalist. His father, Ikechukwu Ernest-Eze, who wept two years ago when his son was crowned champion, described his son as a child with a difference. “He should keep up the good work; and I hope he wins again,” he said.
Fifteen-year-old Owamoyo scored 160 points to cross the semi-final hurdle, and his father, Dapo Owamoyo was very proud of his feat. His mother, Bunmi Owamoyo, counselled him to pray and work hard for the final.
Ibeh, who garnered 145 points at the semi-finals, described Ernest-Eze as the biggest obstacle and threat to his ambition of becoming the 2017 champion.
Paul, on his part, saw all the senior finalists as threats but was confident of a good outing next weekend. Tyoor Joseph Ahua, the District Head of Mbatan-Gboko community, described Paul as “the star of the community”, now waiting to celebrate him as a champion.
Korede Onafowokan, the father of Oluwanifise, described her as “unique in her own way”, while her teacher, Kolawole Bello, who, shed tears when she qualified for the final, called her a genius and perfectionist. Her mother, Adejoke Onafowokan advised her to be bold because “God has not given her the spirit of fear.”
Olatunbosun, who, as a child, preferred to be called ‘President Tomiwa’, scored 135 points to cross to the final. Jeremiah Kehinde, his teacher, said Mathematics is fun for Olatunbosun and he was confident of a brilliant performance at the final.
The ultimate prize in the two categories is N1 million each and an all-expense paid educational excursion outside the country. The first and second runners-up for each category will go home with N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.
The finals of the 2017 Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematic TV Quiz will be aired this weekend to millions of viewers on DStv Africa Magic Family Channel, AIT Network and other six television stations across the country.
Education
Orire School Abduction: Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Teachers in Oyo State on Monday, June 1, 2026, commenced an indefinite strike to protest the abduction of their colleagues and some pupils about two weeks ago.
The teachers withdraw their services from schools until further notice in compliance with the directive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
In a statement on Sunday, the group said the industrial action affects all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State.
They are aggrieved over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils, whose rescue and safe release remain uncertain.
According to the union, the prolonged detention of the victims has created fear and anxiety among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened tension across communities in the state.
The NUT said the industrial action is aimed at drawing the attention of government authorities to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abductees without further delay.
It urged all teachers to comply fully with the directive, remain law-abiding, and stay safe in their respective homes throughout the period of the strike.
The association also reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils, and their families, stressing that lawful engagements with relevant government authorities would continue until the victims regain their freedom.
The NUT assured members that it remains committed to protecting the welfare and security of teachers and learners across the country.
A few weeks ago, some terrorists stormed the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State and kidnapped dozens of children and teachers. They have remained in captivity, with the federal government only sending a delegation to the town on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Education
KolaDaisi University Hosts Career Fair June 10 in Ibadan
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, KolaDaisi University (KDU), in a bid to strengthen the talent-to-industry pipeline, will hold its inaugural Career Fair at its campus in Ibadan, Oyo State, with over 200 final-year students, alumni, and a diverse range of leading employers across multiple sectors expected to partake in the programme.
The one-day event, organised by the Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, will feature participation from top-tier organisations spanning finance, consulting, technology, manufacturing, and other key industries.
Participating companies will engage directly with students, offering opportunities for graduate trainee programmes, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) placements, internships, and entry-level employment.
In addition to recruitment opportunities, the Career Fair will include a series of industry-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking engagements designed to provide students with insights into workplace expectations, emerging career trends, and professional development pathways.
“At KolaDaisi University, we are deliberate about preparing our students for life beyond the classroom. This Career Fair represents a critical platform for fostering meaningful engagement between our students and industry leaders.
“It is not just an event, but a long-term investment in partnerships that will drive innovation, talent development, and economic growth,” the President of the Directorate of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Mrs Olasumbo Obaseki, stated.
The Career Fair underscores the university’s commitment to equipping its students with not only academic excellence but also the practical skills, professional exposure, and networks required for success in today’s competitive labour market.
It is put together in collaboration with key industry partners, including Chapel Hill Denham, Mobile Screens and Sound Limited, SKOT Communications, LEADWAY Assurance, HighlerLife Properties Consult Ltd, Idea Konsult, New Horizons Nigeria, alongside several other organisations committed to nurturing emerging talent.
These partnerships reflect a shared vision of developing a workforce that is both competent and responsive to evolving industry needs.
This impactful and timely initiative is an essential platform for aligning academic outcomes with industry expectations.
The initiative forms part of KDU’s broader institutional strategy to enhance graduate employability through sustained industry engagement, career readiness programmes, and alumni relations.
By creating structured opportunities for interaction between students and employers, the institution continues to position itself as a forward-thinking institution committed to producing globally competitive graduates.
Education
Tinubu Appoints 39-Year-Old Prof Segun Aina as New JAMB Registrar
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Professor Segun Aina has been appointed to replace Professor Is-haq Oloyede as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The two-term tenure of his successor expires on July 31, 2026.
Mr Aina was chosen for the position by President Bola Tinubu, and he is expected to bring to bear his vast experience, knowledge and practical insight into the operations of the board, to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor.
According to a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Professor Aina, who will be 40 in July, is a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public-sector institutional reform.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing, both from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.
A Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr Aina began his career with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining foundational experience in national admissions and data-driven institutional processes. These insights have shaped his ongoing contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.
With over 15 years of post-graduation experience, Professor Aina operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and institutional transformation, advising federal and state governments on system design, digital transition, and operational reform. At 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest Computer Engineering professors and will now make history as JAMB’s youngest registrar.
He has served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including NECO, NABTEB, and various State Ministries of Education, providing expertise on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital process optimisation.
Professor Aina is a member of several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
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