Fifteen-year-old Faith Odunsi has captured international headlines after outscoring competitors from powerhouse nations—including China, the United States, and the United Kingdom—in this year’s Global Mathematics Invitational (GMI). The annual contest, which drew more than 2,000 of the world’s brightest young mathematicians, saw Faith claim the top prize with her exceptional problem-solving skills and composure under pressure.
Hailing from Lekki, Lagos, Faith is a student at the prestigious Pioneer Academy, where she is known for her voracious appetite for numbers and puzzles. “From the time she could hold a pencil, Faith insisted on solving every riddle she saw,” recalls her mathematics teacher, Mrs. Oluchi Ibe. “Her determination and attention to detail are simply unparalleled.”
The GMI spans three rigorous rounds:
1. Timed Logic Test – 50 questions in 60 minutes
2. Proof-Writing Challenge – Two complex proofs to be submitted in writing
3. On-Stage Blitz – Head-to-head rapid-fire problems before a live audience
Faith finished the Timed Logic Test with a near-perfect score, dazzled judges with elegantly structured proofs in the second round, and held her nerve in the high-pressure final, correctly answering 18 out of 20 rapid questions.
Historically dominated by students from established STEM programs in East Asia and North America, the GMI has rarely seen podium finishes from African contestants. Faith’s win not only breaks that trend but also sends a powerful message about the growing strength of Nigerian education in the STEM arena.
“I’m deeply honored,” Faith said upon receiving her gold medal. “Mathematics has always been my greatest joy, and I hope this victory shows other young Nigerians that with hard work, the world’s toughest challenges are within our reach.”
In Lagos, the state Ministry of Education has pledged a full scholarship to support Faith’s continued studies, while private sponsors have offered additional mentoring and resources. Her school community celebrated with a special assembly, where the principal presented her with a commemorative plaque.
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