The Federal Government has reportedly refused to sponsor 15-year-old Nigerian student, Agbo Adoga, who achieved a perfect SAT score and qualified to represent Nigeria at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China.
Education advocate Alex Onyia revealed that Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, where Agbo is enrolled, received a response from the Federal Ministry of Education stating there were no available funds to support any participant for the global competition.
Alex Onyia expresses disappointment
Reacting to the situation, Onyia described it as yet another lost opportunity for Nigeria to display its outstanding intellectual potential on an international platform.
He further explained that private or individual sponsorship was not allowed since Agbo’s participation would be in official national capacity, representing Nigeria.
Despite the setback, reports indicate that Agbo’s parents had expressed readiness to personally finance the trip. However, ministry regulations prevented them from doing so, leaving the brilliant teenager unable to attend the event.