8th National Maths Competition: British Spring College wards ₦45M in Scholarships

By Ukpa Ewa

British Spring College (BSC), Awka, has successfully concluded the 8th edition of its National Mathematics Competition and Lady Uju Dike Scholarship Scheme for 2025, attracting 275 participants from across Nigeria and awarding over ₦45 million worth of scholarships and cash prizes to outstanding pupils.

The competition, which targeted Primary 5 and Primary 6 pupils, culminated in Awka with a grand finale where top performing students were rewarded with life changing scholarship opportunities. At the top of the list was Onuigbo Akachukwu from God’s Wisdom School, Nnewi, who scored 86.5% to clinch first position. He received ₦27 million scholarship covering 100% tuition, boarding, textbooks and fees, along with ₦200,000 cash prize.

Under the Lady Uju Dike Scholarship Scheme, Iheadume Chimaram from Springfield Academy, Onitsha, emerged overall best with 73.5%, earning a similar ₦27 million full scholarship and ₦200,000 cash prize. Nwoye Ifechukwu, who came second with 73%, received a 75% scholarship and ₦100,000 cash prize, while Ikemefuna Ziena, the third-place winner with 61%, earned 50% scholarship and ₦50,000.

In a similar category, Omeje Jonas of Mabel International School Nnewi secured second place with 71.2%, earning a 75% scholarship and ₦100,000, while his schoolmate Onyejiaku Prosper, who scored 63.5%, received 50% scholarship and ₦50,000.

Speaking at the event, the Director of British Spring College and sponsor of the scholarship, Lady Uju Dike, expressed her joy at the impact the initiative has had over the years. She revealed that despite advice to seek external sponsors, she chose to personally fund the program as an expression of gratitude to God and her commitment to children education.

“Every year, we have about seven children on full scholarship, and in total, we spend close to ₦45 million annually,” she said. “This is my way of giving back, of putting smiles on parents and children faces and ensuring that gifted children get the opportunity to reach their potential.”

Lady Uju explained the choice of mathematics as the competition focus, emphasizing that mathematical thinking fosters problem solving skills which are essential to societal development.

School Principal, Mr. K. Cent Obi, in his remarks, described the competition as “eight years of hilarious and impactful community development,” adding that mathematics sharpens strategic thinking, planning, and intelligence. “Any child who can do well in mathematics,” he said, “has a high level of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and is capable of fast reasoning.”

While a mathematics teacher from Mabel International School Nnewi Chukwuma Fredrick recounted the intense coaching process, which included midnight study sessions and constant communication with parents. “It wasn’t easy,” he said, “but I’m glad it paid off.”

One of the parents, Mr. Omeje Jonas, a banker and father of a top finalist, appreciated British Spring College for the life changing opportunity, noting the rigorous nature of the competition and expressing confidence in his son dream of becoming an Information Technology expert in future.

The event concluded with medal presentations to the top 10 finalists, plaques and consolation prizes to 41 other high performing pupils, marking another successful edition of a competition that continues to transform lives and educational outcomes in Nigeria.