The Federal Ministry of Education has said it has no record of a sponsorship request for a 15-year-old student reportedly said to have qualified to represent Nigeria at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China.
The dismissal comes following accusations by the Chief Executive Officer of Educare, Alex Onyia, who claimed that the Ministry refused to sponsor the student to the international championship on the grounds of no funds.
As reported by Guardian, Onyia said the student missed out on the contest because the Ministry failed to sponsor her.
“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!”
But in a press statement signed on Sunday by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Feo Folasade, the ministry said there is no correspondence in its files from any recognised body seeking sponsorship for the pupil.
The statement urged anyone with verifiable information on the matter to present it formally to the ministry for appropriate action.
It stated, “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 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 ministry urged the public to disregard unverified reports and ensure that all education-related matters are confirmed through the Ministry’s official communication channels.
“The Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to encouraging and supporting outstanding students through due process and transparent procedures,” the statement added.