…Awards scholarships worth millions
The Managing Director of Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC), Mr Feyzullah Bilgin, has reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment to nurturing exceptional talent in mathematics, describing the subject as a cornerstone of intellectual excellence and national development.
Speaking at the NTIC prize-giving and award ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, Mr Bilgin said the annual National Mathematics Competition aims to identify and support students with extraordinary aptitude in mathematics, providing them with a pathway to broader academic and personal success.
“Mathematics is like the mother of all sciences,” Mr Bilgin told journalists. “If a child is gifted in maths, they can succeed in any subject.
” History has shown that individuals with such talents can change the destiny of their countries – why not Nigeria?”
According to him,”Over 10,000 students from across Nigeria participated in this year’s edition of the competition, with around 100 of them earning scholarships and prizes.
“NTIC has invested heavily in the initiative, reportedly spending nearly 600 million Naira annually on organising the event and offering scholarships.
“A student who receives a six-year scholarship through this competition benefits from around 3.5 billion Naira in total value.
“We want to create an environment that motivates children, especially those aged 10 and 11, to study mathematics without fear and with great enthusiasm”,Mr Bilgin noted.
The award ceremony celebrated not only numerical excellence but also resilience, curiosity and ambition.
“Regardless of who takes home the biggest awards, you are all winners,” Mr Bilgin told the gathered students.
“You’ve proven your worth, and you are the champions.”
The Director of the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Prof Promise Mebine, represented by Associate Prof Solomon Gbenga Ojo, praised NTIC’s partnership with the Centre, describing it as a “symbiotic collaboration” that enhances the teaching and learning of mathematics nationwide.
“Mathematics is the queen of all sciences,” Prof Ojo said. “Most of the students who excel in maths also perform exceptionally in other subjects, often representing Nigeria at international competitions like the International Mathematical Olympiad and Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad.”
Among the standout performers was Jammaldeen Mamman Tahir, a junior secondary school student from Air Force Secondary School, Lagos, who was awarded a gold medal and scholarship.
“I thank NTIC for this honour,” he said. “This is just the beginning. I will keep pushing myself to get better at mathematics.”
Aspiring to become a renowned scientist and medical doctor, Jammaldeen’s journey is just one example of how the NTIC initiative is shaping the next generation of thinkers and innovators.