By Roland Ekama
Cargo Desk Petroleum & Gas Limited has concluded the 4th edition of its National Annual Mathematics Competition in Lagos as part of ongoing efforts to sustain interest in mathematics and discover exceptional young talent.
The Grand Finale took place Friday at Lagos State University (LASU) International School and drew representatives from more than 80 primary and secondary schools across the state.
The fourth edition is sponsored by Cargo Desk Petroleum & Gas Limited, owned by customs-licensed agent , Chief Patrick Osita Chukwu..
Speaking with reporters at the close of the exam, Chief Chukwu said the competition seeks to identify a successor to the renowned mathematician Chike Obi.
He said”Chike Obi is no more; therefore we want a replacement. We want to encourage those who love mathematics to participate,”
Chukwu, who also serves as national coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC), called for broader support from both public and private sectors and invited potential partners.
He urged the Ministry of Education, WAEC, NECO and JAMB to collaborate with the organisers to raise awareness and strengthen the competition’s impact.
The freight forwarder lamented that reliance on gadgets and devices has undermined genuine mathematical learning and said his company stepped in to fund the fourth edition after previous sponsors declined.
He expressed confidence in the competition’s future.
Prize awards for the year were confirmed: N100,000 for the winner, N70,000 for the runner-up, and N50,000 for third place.
The Organisers said the winners will be announced and prizes presented later this week.
Mr. Stephen Adewunmi, CEO of the International School Support Organisation (ISSO) and convener of the competition, praised the event’s growing momentum and insisted the contest has been run transparently since inception.
He urged continued backing from public and private stakeholders to help produce world-class mathematicians and said participation increases each year.
