Master Ibrahim Isa Jajere of Nigerian Tulip International Boys College, Damaturu, Yobe State has disclosed that Mathematics remains the best brain refresher in times of challenges and difficulties.
Jajere, who is participating in the on-going 2017 Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics TV Quiz Show sponsored by Cowbell, the flagship brand from Promasidor Nigeria Limited, explained that solving Mathematics problemsspurs him to find solutions to life’s problems and challenges. The 14-year-old Junior Secondary School student noted that students would appreciate the seemingly difficult subject better if they knew its importance in facing intricate situations.
“I like Mathematics because it refreshes my brain. It boosts my energy to face any challenge. The more I try to solve Mathematics questions, the more I become energised. It is like a tonic to my blood and my brain. To this end, I don’t I have any specific period I practice Mathematics. I just pick my work book and fire on,” he said.
Jajere, who scored 94 per cent in the qualifying examination conducted in March 2017, wants to study Computer Engineering at the university.
In a tense battle in the Junior category, Jajere and Fuad Alaka of Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Lagos survived the tough challenge from Ilerioluwakiiye Abolade of Skyward Mega High School, Ibadan, Oyo State, Oyintomiwa Oni of African International College, Abuja and Falmata Ibrahim of Elkanemi Schools, Maiduguri, Borno State.
In the Senior category, Oluwatade Akinjide of the Learning Field Schools, Satellite Town, Lagos and Evans Owamoyo of Greater Tomorrow International College, Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State scaled through to the semi-finals.
The duo bested Olalekan Abdul-Lateef of Vanguard Academy, Abeokuta, Ogun State; Uchechukwu Ezedimora of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State; Kadiri Eshiovaze of Gloryland Secondary School, Igarra, Edo State and Haruna Abba of Science Secondary School, Kafin Hausa, Bauchi State.
Akinjide, who is participating in the competition for the first time, described the experience as “nice and exciting.” “My focus is on the final and the ultimate prize. This has been my dream and my expectation. If I win, I will give part of the money to the church and the rest to my parents,” he said.
The 16-year-old Senior Secondary School student, who scored 95 per cent in the qualifying examination conducted in March 2017, aspires to become a Petroleum Engineer.
On his part, Owamoyo who got to the final in the Junior category of the 2015 edition, hopes to win this year. Like Akinjide, he promised to give his prize money to his church and his parents. “I really thank God for surviving the initial nervousness to qualify for this stage.
The ultimate prize in the Senior and Junior categories is N1 million each and all-expense-paid educational excursion outside the country. The first and second runners-up for each category will go home with N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.
Each teacher of the 2017 champions will be awarded N400,000, while those of the first and second runners-up will receive N300,000 and N200,000 respectively. Also, the winning schools will be rewarded with Mathematics textbooks, desktop computers and printers.
The 2017 Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematic TV Quiz continues this weekend. It will be aired to millions of viewers on DSTvAfrica Magic Family Channel, AITNetwork and six other television stations across the country.
