By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Nigeria has reportedly lost the opportunity to be represented at the International Economics Olympiad in China after a promising student, Bryan Eze, qualified for the competition but was unable to participate due to lack of sponsorship.
Education advocate and commentator Alex Onyia disclosed this on his X handle @winexviv on Monday, describing the development as “heartbreaking” and questioning the country’s commitment to nurturing outstanding young talents.
Onyia said he learnt of Eze’s situation on Monday morning after the student emerged winner of the Sterling Bank National Online Maths Quiz.
According to him, Eze had qualified to represent Nigeria at the International Economics Olympiad in China, but the opportunity was reportedly lost after the Ministry of Education said it had no funds to sponsor his participation.
Onyia further claimed that efforts were made to secure support from the Ebonyi State Government, but the state government allegedly declined to provide assistance.
He expressed disappointment that a student who had demonstrated exceptional academic ability was prevented from representing Nigeria at an international competition because of funding challenges.
“I just learned this morning that Bryan Eze qualified for the International Economics Olympiad in China to represent Nigeria, but the Ministry of Education said that there is no money to sponsor him,” Onyia said.
He added that the student and those supporting his participation subsequently approached the Ebonyi State Government for assistance, but the government reportedly indicated that it was not interested.
“So he missed it,” Onyia said.
The development, if confirmed, raises fresh concerns about the challenges facing talented Nigerian students seeking to participate in international academic competitions.
Onyia said he became particularly curious about Eze’s story after the student won the Sterling Bank National Online Maths Quiz, prompting him to look further into his academic achievements.
The case has also sparked concerns about whether Nigeria is doing enough to identify, support and retain young talents capable of competing on the global stage.
For Onyia, the loss goes beyond one student’s missed opportunity, describing it as a painful reflection of the difficulties talented Nigerian youths can face when financial support is unavailable.
“This is heartbreaking,” he said.
