By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The ‘mental warfare’ among Nigeria’s young inventors in the on-going Cowbellpedia Mathematics Television Quiz Show continued last weekend as Onyedikachi Ukpabi of Britarch Secondary School, Umuahia, got a semi-final ticket for Abia State.
Abia is now the second state from the South East Nigeria to cruise into the semi-final stage.
It will be recalled that two weeks ago, Amarachi Imo of Federal Government College, Owerri, secured a semi-final ticket for Imo State, and the first for the zone.
Last weekend, 13-year-old Ukpabi who got a perfect score in the qualifying written exam, entered into a preliminary ‘battle’ against Rukayat Akinola of Miracle International School, Osogbo, Osun State; Oluwafunmbi Fakorede of Bibo Oluwa Academy, Ilesha, Osun State; Favour Mayaki of Gloryland Secondary School, Benin, Edo State; Emmanuel Elochukwu of Calvary Arrows College, Markurdi, Benue State; and Solomon Ogbonna of ASCL Staff Comprehensive Secondary School, Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
At the end of exciting first and second preliminary rounds, Fakorede joined Ukpabi on the cruise to the semi-final stage.
In the senior category, two female students – Oluwaseun Ahmed of Scholars Universal Secondary, Ota, Ogun State; and Uren Mador of Redeemed Peoples College, Jos Plateau State secured the semi-final tickets.
The duo edged out Mayowa Ohunjugbagbe of Greater Tomorrow International College, Ondo, Ondo State; Wisdom Okoro of Michael Opara University of Agriculture Demonstration Secondary School, Awka, Anambra State; Chimezirim Duru of Saint Linus Secondary School, Awo Omamma-Owerri, Imo State; and Ebikade Edoh of Belary Schools, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.
Ukpabi who promised to work on his speed and accuracy, was however confident of his chances in the semi-final and the finals. “I am looking forward to seeing myself in the finals, and even winning. I will be very happy to win the competition. It will be a good adventure for me and my school. My parents will also be very happy,” he told journalists after the preliminary round.
The ultimate prize for this year’s edition is One million naira and an all-expense paid educational excursion outside the country. The teacher of the winning students will receive Four hundred thousand naira.
TVC, Lagos, Saturday 8.00p.m and CRBC Calabar, Saturday 7.00p.m have been added to the existing list of TV stations. You can visit www.cowbellpedia.ng for the full airing schedules.
Modupe Gbadeyanka