…tops education ranking in southeast, as Enugu comes second
Imo State, in the recently concluded inaugural South East Maths Olympiad 2026, has showcased its intellectual prowess and strengthened its position as the powerhouse of academic excellence in Nigeria by taking the crown as the overall champion of the competition.
The thrilling academic exercise organised in Enugu by Educare, convened by Alex Onyia, drew over 11,500 of the brightest young minds in primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary categories from across the five southeastern states of Nigeria.
Drum Africa learnt that the competition began with a record-breaking computer-based test (CBT) participation phase on February 28, which featured rigorous stages that tested logic, creativity, and analytical skills.
Information available shows that after advancing through initial rounds, the top performers converged in Enugu for the grand finale on March 7, where the tension was high and the stakes included millions in prizes and scholarships awaiting the bright students of the East.
South East stakeholders are of the opinion that with over 11,500 participants pushing boundaries, the 2026 Olympiad marks a transformative step in Nigeria’s education narrative, proving that intellectual competitions can drive regional excellence.
Convener Alex Onyia, after the intense finale, released an official South East states education ranking, painting what many have described as a new picture of the South East’s education landscape, with Imo State maintaining her lead as current champion.
According to Onyia, “The numbers are in, and the South East education leaderboard has a new look!” From the record-breaking CBT participation to the brilliant showdowns at the Grand Finale, these states have truly raised the bar for academic excellence.
“The Top 5 Standings: Imo State (The Heartland takes the lead!), Enugu State (042 coming in strong), Anambra State (The Light of the Nation), Ebonyi State (The Salt of the Nation), and finally, Abia State (God’s Own State).”
“Imo State is currently wearing the crown, but the competition is closer than ever! Does your state belong higher on the list? Let the (friendly) debate begin in the comments”, he concluded.
Onyia noted that the competition’s exposure benefits all participants, with plans already underway for a 2027 edition to further nurture talent.
Special Assistant to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Public Communication, Prince Eze Ugochukwu, said that this ranking underscores Imo State’s long-standing commitment to education as a “way of life”, as evidenced by their repeated dominance in regional academic contests.
Ugochukwu added that Imo topped the leaderboard with strong performances across categories, including wins in primary and senior levels, while Enugu State came a close second, bolstered by a clean sweep in the junior category.
He added that while Anambra State secured third place with notable runners-up finishes, Ebonyi State came fourth, showing promise but room for growth, and Abia State came fifth, highlighting areas for increased investment in STEM education.
According to him, these victories not only reward individual brilliance but also emphasise the role of dedicated teachers and schools like Diamond Special College and Evergreen Schools in fostering talent.
On the scores proper, Imo State’s Egejurum Onyedikachi from Diamond Special College, Owerri, clinched first place with an impressive 13 out of 15 points, earning N2 million in the primary school category.
Onah Tobit from Anambra State took second, narrowly missing the top spot by just one point. Anambra and Enugu shared second-place honours in broader assessments.
In the junior secondary category, Enugu dominated, with Onwubiko Chimdiebube from Evergreen Schools taking the crown and N3 million, plus N1 million for his teacher, Master Chisom Unachukwu. Surprisingly, Master Unachukwu’s students swept the entire podium, highlighting Evergreen School’s exceptional mathematics teaching system.
In the senior secondary category, Imo took the stage again with Don-Anele Marvellous Munachimso from Diamond Special College, Owerri, as he won N5 million, N1 million for his teacher, and a $100,000 scholarship to study in Canada.
