A Junior Secondary School student of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu Staff School, Maryama Abdullahi Musa, has emerged overall winner of the 2026 Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) Annual National Mathematics Competition, outperforming contestants from 101 schools across Nigeria.

The outstanding performance has brought national recognition to the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu Staff School and further highlighted Yobe State’s growing reputation in academic excellence. Blueprint reports

Maryama, who also graduated as the Best Student in the Junior Secondary School section of the institution, recorded the highest score in the highly competitive national examination organised by the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre (NMC).

The competition was conducted on February 7, 2026, at the Government Girls Unity College, Damaturu, with participants drawn from 101 schools nationwide. The results, released six months after the examination, confirmed Maryama as the overall best-performing candidate.

She was presented with her award during a ceremony held at the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu Staff School.

School celebrates remarkable achievement

Speaking with journalists in Damaturu, the Principal of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu Staff School, Mr. Tasimda Chinanda, described the student’s feat as exceptional and a reflection of the school’s commitment to academic excellence.

He said Maryama’s success has not only brought honour to the institution but has also placed Yobe State in the national spotlight for educational achievement.

According to him, the accomplishment demonstrates that students from public institutions can compete successfully with their peers from leading schools across the country when provided with quality teaching and a conducive learning environment.

He commended the teachers and parents for their support and dedication, noting that teamwork played a vital role in the student’s success.

Rector congratulates student

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir, also congratulated Maryama on her outstanding performance.

He equally praised her parents, teachers and the management of the Staff School for nurturing an environment that encourages academic excellence.

Dr. Bashir described the achievement as a source of pride for the polytechnic community and Yobe State, expressing confidence that the recognition would inspire other students to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.

He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to promoting quality education and supporting initiatives that encourage innovation, research and academic competitiveness.

Secret behind her success

Speaking after receiving the award, Maryama attributed her success to discipline, consistency and the support she received from her teachers.

She particularly acknowledged the role of her lesson teacher, Uncle Audu Bukar, whose extra coaching sessions helped sharpen her understanding of mathematics and other subjects.

“I read my books, attend extra classes with Uncle Audu, and also do personal readings. Memorising the Qur’an also helps me to stay focused,” she said.

She encouraged fellow students to remain committed to their studies, stressing that hard work, determination and regular revision are essential ingredients for academic success.

An inspiring young scholar

Born on June 9, 2012, Maryama hails from Abba Ibrahim By-Pass, Damaturu, in Yobe State.

She began her primary education in 2020 and has consistently distinguished herself through outstanding academic performance.

Apart from excelling in mathematics, she is known for her passion for reading and religious studies.

Maryama enjoys memorising the Holy Qur’an, studying Hadith and other Islamic literature, as well as reading academic books to broaden her knowledge.

She is fluent in English, Hausa and Kanuri, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Yobe State.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys interacting with friends and relatives and participating in recreational activities, particularly jumping games. Her favourite meal is Dan Wake, while blue and black are her preferred colours.

Prestigious national competition

The Nigerian Tulip International Colleges Annual National Mathematics Competition is one of the country’s leading academic contests aimed at discovering and rewarding exceptional mathematical talents among secondary school students.

Organised annually by NTIC in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), the competition attracts thousands of participants from public and private schools across Nigeria.

The initiative seeks to promote excellence in mathematics, stimulate healthy academic competition and encourage young Nigerians to develop problem-solving and analytical skills that are critical for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Education stakeholders have consistently described the competition as an important platform for identifying future innovators, scientists and researchers capable of contributing to Nigeria’s technological and economic development.

Maryama’s emergence as the overall best among participants from 101 schools underscores the quality of teaching at the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu Staff School and serves as an inspiration to students across Yobe State and beyond.

Her achievement also reinforces the growing importance of investing in quality basic education, teacher development and academic mentorship to enable young Nigerians compete favourably at national and international levels.