The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed reports alleging it refused to sponsor 15-year-old Agbo Adoga, a pupil of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, who was said to have qualified for the International Mathematics Olympiad in China.
The Ministry, in a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, described the reports as misleading and lacking any formal basis. It said there was no record of any request for sponsorship related to the student.
“The Federal Ministry of Education wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of the report circulating online regarding a supposed sponsorship request for a 15-year-old student said to have qualified to represent Nigeria at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China,” the statement read.
“The Ministry affirms that there is no record or correspondence in its files indicating any such request for sponsorship from any recognised body. Accordingly, any relevant or verifiable information regarding this matter should be formally presented to the Ministry for necessary action.”
The clarification came after Alex Onyia, Chief Executive Officer of Educare, alleged on social media that the Ministry turned down the sponsorship of Adoga due to lack of funds.
“Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, just informed me that Agbo Adoga qualified to represent Nigeria in the International Maths Olympiad in China. Nigerian Ministry of Education said they don’t have money to sponsor anybody. So he will not attend. Nigeria lost again!” Onyia wrote.
The Ministry, however, urged the public to disregard unverified claims and rely on official communication channels for accurate information on educational matters.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting talented students through transparent and formal procedures.
