By Izunna Okafor, Awka
History was recently made in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, as the much-anticipated Mathalon Mathematics Competition, conceived and organized by a young palm oil hawker and mathematics enthusiast, Ebubedike Friday Ugochukwu, successfully came to a grand and inspiring conclusion.
The intellectually stimulating event, which held its maiden edition at the ASUBEB in Awka, Anambra State capital, brought together school children from across the state to celebrate mathematical excellence, innovation, and youthful brilliance.
Friday Ugochukwu Ebubedike, a 32-year-old graduate of Electronic and Computer Technology from the University of Calabar, who hails from Umuahia in Abia State, is the convener and CEO of the Mathalon initiative. Widely known for his resilience and passion for teaching mathematics, Friday came into the public eye in 2024 after he was spotted hawking palm oil on the streets of Awka despite being a university graduate, a story which this reporter documented and which later gained massive public attention and admiration.
Unmoved by challenges and determined to make impact, Friday began using proceeds from his palm oil hawking business to fund the Mathalon Mathematics Competition, a project he describes as his personal contribution to education, and one designed to demystify mathematics and make it more accessible, engaging and exciting for children.
Mathalon, according to him, draws its concept from the Olympic Games, with the vision of becoming a yearly educational movement that promotes confidence and academic rivalry in problem-solving.
The competition saw Handmaids Infant Jesus Nursery and Basic School, Awka (represented by Nwaobasi Chikamso Olivia and Nwimo Chiagozie Michael) emerge Champions, clinching a whopping cash prize of ₦50,000 alongside other gift items.
Gran Hermano Academy, Awka (represented by Chuka-Unachukwu Diamond and Onwurah Chisimdi) clinched the second position with a cash ₦30,000 alongside other gift items; while Benbee Unique Schools, Awka (represented by Bamidele Emmanulla Onuoluwapo and Ogala Chinwuwa Emmanuel) pocketed the third position with a cash sum of ₦20,000 and other gift items.
Aside the cash prizes and the gift items, which include school bags, water can, maths set, launch bag, books and pens, among others; all the winners and the winning schools also got certificates of awards. Similarly, all the participating pupils and schools at the event were also provided with transportation allowances as well as writing materials by the organizers.
Speaking shortly after the announcement of the results, the initiator, Ebubedike expressed gratitude to God and to all those who supported and helped bring the dream to reality. He specifically appreciated his father, Mr. Dennis Onyedinma Ebubedike; lauded Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for providing an enabling environment for educational successes being recorded in Anambra (enhanced through such initiatives); and further hailed Ambassador Chibuzor Ekwenye for his unflinching support.
He also recognized Mrs. Chinyere Ekwenye, Mrs. Susan Nwogbo, and many other sponsors, including Alyce Community Educational Development Foundation, Elites Apostles Club, Blind To Go (BTG), Hon. Mr. & Miss Obiora Oddih; ASATU Youth President, Comrade Ken Okoli; Dr. Eric Sunday Iferikigwe, and Mgee Fashion Empire, among others.
Speaking, Ambassador Chibuzor Ekwenye, in his goodwill message, showered encomiums on Ebubedike for what he described as an exceptional act of youthful ingenuity and courage. He pledged his full support to the next edition, while encouraging more stakeholders to back such transformative ideas. He further emphasized the importance of societal backing for such noble cause and initiative, highlighting its potential to positively impact lives.
His words: “Mr. Ebubedike is a shining example of youthful determination and leadership. His commitment to excellence is truly commendable. As an Ambassador, I’m honored to associate myself with this noble initiative and promise to be at the forefront of the next edition.
“Unfortunately, my schedule didn’t permit me to do more this time around. I urge everyone to support this worthy cause, which has the potential to transform lives and shape the future of our society.”
Also speaking, the ASATU Youth President, Comrade Ken Okoli, lauded Ebubedike’s determination and resilience, recalling how impressed he was after their first meeting. He noted that such creative thinking is what Anambra needs, to continue grooming future leaders. He further fulfilled his promise of ₦50,000 in support of the event, while pledging continued assistance in the future.
Another touching goodwill message came from Chimmanda Obiorah Oddih, a young student and one of Ebubedike’s mentees, who passionately described how his teaching style transformed her love for mathematics and instilled in her a new level of confidence. She commended him for his humility, brilliance, and motivational approach to teaching, adding that Ebubedike’s famous quotes like “Impossibility is not in the world of mathematics,” and “As a child, you don’t have a choice than to learn,” had remained guiding principles in her studies.
She also highlighted how Ebubedike introduced them to the Mathematics Song and other unconventional but effective teaching tools that made learning more enjoyable and memorable.
The Mathalon competition was a multi-staged challenge judged by a dedicated team led by Mr. Ezeh Temple, with Mrs. Ekwenye Chinyere, Ms. Peace Adinchezo, and Mrs. Susan Nwogbo serving as fellow judges; while Ms. Chidimma Obiakor served as the official timekeeper.
Ebubedike while earlier commending the team behind the successful planning and execution of the event, including Mr. Jerry, Fortune, Hon. Kingsley Ekwenya, Mr. Nwike Emeka, Mr. Okemmuo Jeremiah, Comrade Emmandy Ezenagu, Ms. Chidile Ifeoma, Ms. Rita Ebubedike, Mrs. Susan Nwogbo, Engr. Somtochukwu Ezennia, Mr. Orizu Chiagozie Henry, Ms. Peace Adinchezo, and Mr. Ebubedike Promise Obinna (a.k.a Capacity), emphasized that the vision behind Mathalon extends far beyond just a competition. According to him, it is a movement and a long-term commitment to rebuilding and reshaping how children see mathematics and apply it in real life.
He called on government institutions, philanthropists, and education-loving individuals to support the next edition through sponsorship or donations. He disclosed that financial contributions can be made to the account: Mathalon Competition, UBA Bank, 1027356563. Sponsorship or enquiry calls can be directed to 08167760374 or 08152408861, or by email via mathalonmathematics@gmail.com. Social media updates can also be followed via @mathalonmathematics on Facebook and Instagram.
While thanking God for the overwhelming success of the competition, he further urged all the participants and supporters to anticipate an even greater edition of the event come 2026.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, also gathered that, recently, some of Ebubedike’s mentees, Ene Adaeze Kimberly and Obiora Oddi Chimmanda also bagged different awards for coming out top in various competitions and other academic exercises, both within and outside their respective schools.
While Ene Adaeze Kimberly, a Basic 7 (JSS1) pupil at the Gran Hermano Academy, Awka, recently emerged winner of a separate mathematics competition in Awka; she also came out Best in Mathematics in her class at the Gran Hermano Academy Awka, as well as Best in Checkpoint Mathematics Basic 7 (JSS1) in the school.
On the other hand, the other mentee, Obiora Oddi Chimmanda emerged 2nd Overall Best Student in JoseMaria Academy Awka; as well as emerged Best in Mathematics Year 7 (JSS1), Best in Physics Year 7 (JSS1), and Best in Chemistry Year 7 (JSS1) in the school, among other great testimonies that trail Ebubedike’s mentorship within and outside the state as Mathalon CEO.
More photos from the event:
