In a country where stories of struggle often dominate headlines, one institution is steadily rewriting the narrative — by nurturing brilliance and rewarding excellence. For over two decades, Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) has stood as a beacon of visionary investment in education.
Its flagship platform, the Annual National Mathematics Competition (ANMC), now in its 22nd edition, continues to spotlight the brightest young minds across Nigeria. This year, that spotlight landed on Mamman Jamaladeen Tahir, a student of Air Force Secondary School, Shasha, Lagos, who emerged as the overall winner in the Junior Secondary category — outshining over 10,000 participants from across 30 states.
Tahir’s outstanding performance brought immense pride not only to his school but also to the entire Nigerian Air Force education community.
“For us in the Air Force, excellence isn’t confined to the skies — it is a way of life, even in the classroom,” said Squadron Leader N. Gana, Commandant of the school. “This win reflects our core values and aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s focus on mission-oriented training and holistic development.”
Soft-spoken yet determined, Tahir credited his success to perseverance, faith, and family support.
“Sometimes I stayed up until 1 a.m. to study. I just kept pushing and trusted God,” he shared.
The story behind this celebration is anchored in NTIC’s unwavering dedication to building Nigeria’s future through education. At the helm of this mission is Mr. Fevzullah Bilgin, Managing Director of NTIC, whose passion and vision have guided the ANMC since its inception.
Speaking during the 22nd ANMC Prize and Award Ceremony, organized in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Mr. Bilgin underscored the importance of mathematics in shaping the nation’s future:
“Mathematics is not just a subject; it is the foundation of all sciences. A child gifted in math can excel in any field — from engineering to medicine to artificial intelligence.”
NTIC’s commitment is not symbolic — it is deeply financial and transformative. Each year, the institution invests over ₦600 million to sustain the ANMC, including ₦500 million for full scholarships and ₦100 million for organizing the competition across the country.
“When you factor in support over six years for a single cohort, the cost reaches a staggering ₦3.5 billion,” Mr. Bilgin noted. “This is one of Nigeria’s most consistent private investments in education.”
To Mr. Bilgin, the goal goes beyond competition.
“History shows that one gifted individual, given the right opportunity, can change a nation’s destiny. We believe such individuals are among today’s winners.”
The ANMC reaches children as young as 10, helping them conquer math anxiety and inspiring them with a tangible goal — a scholarship, a future, a chance. The competition not only rewards excellence but also fuels long-term ambition.
“Without motivation,” said Mr. Bilgin, “even the brightest minds may fall short of their potential. This competition gives them a reason to strive for more.”
The 2025 edition of the ANMC was held in two regional hubs — Abuja and Kano — and featured 52 finalists across the Primary and Junior Secondary categories. Winners received generous scholarships, cash prizes, and tech gadgets, while their teachers and schools were also recognized and rewarded.
Assoc. Prof. Solomun Gboyega Ojo, Head of the Olympiad Unit at the NMC, hailed the NTIC partnership as a national model:
“NTIC has raised the bar for mathematics competitions in Nigeria. This initiative is producing international champions and building a pipeline of future STEM leaders.”
For Mamman Jamaladeen Tahir, the journey is just beginning. Though he dreams of becoming a medical doctor, his mathematical talent is already opening doors.
“This scholarship means everything to me. It’s motivation to keep going,” he said, expressing gratitude to his parents and teachers for their constant support.
“I’m grateful to NTIC and the ANMC team for this honour. From now on, I’ll keep improving and working harder in mathematics.”
List of 2025 ANMC Champions
Primary School Category:
Shedrack Chijioke Udeh Jnr – Diamond Special School, Imo State
Olasehinde Darasimi David – Genius Tonic Heights School, Ondo State
Ifeanyi Uchegbu Einstein – Pleroma International School, Rivers State
Junior Secondary School Category:
Jamaladeen Mamman Tahir – Air Force Secondary School, Lagos State
Kaetochukwu Uzoewulu Brian – Hillrange Secondary School, Enugu State
Eghosa Emmanuel James – Beacon of Success School, Edo State
Winners received cash prizes ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000. Their teachers were awarded up to ₦400,000 each. High-performing schools also received tablets, desktop computers, and printers to enhance learning environments.