Celebrating excellence beyond sports: An appeal on Gov. Aiyedatiwa to recognise Akinpelumi Olympiad Maths champion
National Olympiad Competition, leading to his appointment as Prep Ambassador by the Daramola Adeosun Foundation (DAF).
He also showcased his intellectual mastery at the Simbiat Adeyeye Quiz Competition.”
This is not an isolated case. In 2023, a team of Nigerian secondary school students stunned the world by winning the International Robotics Competition in Geneva, Switzerland.
Their innovative automated irrigation system drew global praise, yet at home, the recognition paled in comparison to that given to sports stars.
Creating a culture that celebrates academic success will inspire more young people to pursue excellence in research, innovation, and knowledge creation.
Such achievements could lead to solutions for pressing challenges in healthcare, energy, and technology.
Parents and educators are now calling on government bodies, corporate organisations, and the media to give academic achievers equal visibility and incentives, through national awards, scholarships, and public recognition ceremonies.
Sports will always hold a special place in our hearts, but the mind is also a powerful tool for nation-building. It’s time to celebrate our thinkers the same way we celebrate our athletes.
As Nigeria continues to nurture talents in all fields, expanding the celebration of excellence beyond sports will help build a more balanced, forward-looking society, one where both the body and the mind are equally honoured.
