UYO
By Victor Essang
At just 16, Master Japhet Bright Udosen has etched his name into the records of academic brilliance in Akwa Ibom State. The teenager from Onna Local Government Area, a student of Daniel Joseph Academy, Nsit Ubium, stunned many by scoring an impressive 98 percent in the recently concluded African Mathematics Olympiad Students of the Year Final Exams, making him the best in the state.
The national competition, which brings together some of Nigeria’s brightest minds in mathematics, tested students across several centres nationwide. At the Akwa Ibom centre, Udosen emerged with a score that education experts say reflects not just raw intelligence, but also a rare combination of discipline, consistency, and determination.
Principal of the school, Mr. Uduak Udotong, observed, “for Daniel Joseph Academy, which only joined the Olympiad this year, Udosen’s feat was both humbling and historic”
“This is the first time our school is participating in Olympiad Exams and we are coming out top. We usually pay special attention to grooming our students to prepare them for all kinds of exams, so we are not surprised he came out best. His success has put our school on the national map.”
Speaking with The Pioneer, the young mathematics whiz attributed his victory to God, hard work, and a supportive environment provided by his school.
He said “I feel elated to come out first in the exams. When I was informed about the competition, I prepared day and night with strong determination to succeed and God crowned my efforts.”
Udosen also credited his parents for playing a crucial role in his success, saying, “They gave me good advice and provided everything I needed to study. I pray God to bless them and make them enjoy the fruits of their labour.”
Interestingly, despite his outstanding strength in mathematics, Udosen’s dream is not to become an engineer or scientist. Instead, he hopes to wear the wig and gown.
“My goal in life is to be a lawyer, I want to help the downtrodden and uphold justice, integrity, and peace in society”, he said.
His father, Mr Bright Udosen, though initially expected him to pursue a career in engineering, have fully embraced his chosen path.
“I feel great and thankful to God. Although I knew mathematics while in school, not to this extent. I would have loved him to become an engineer, nevertheless I will support him to be a lawyer, ” he said.
The mother, Pastor Comfort Udosen, who was equally jubilant, said I was so excited when I got the news. This feat is by God’s grace and his hard work. In our family, we don’t force careers on our children—we only guide them. With the logical reasoning skills mathematics has given him, I believe he will be an excellent lawyer.”
She recalled how, as a child, Udosen would dismantle rechargeable lamps and fix them again, giving the family the impression he was destined for engineering. But as he grew older and voiced his passion for law, which they accepted his choice wholeheartedly.
For now, his victory has brought pride not just to his family but to Akwa Ibom State at large. His story is also a reminder that excellence is nurtured through faith, hard work, and support.
And as the mathematics whiz looks ahead to greater heights, he leaves a simple piece of advice for fellow students.
According to him, students who want to succeed, should “Put God first, study hard, and never give up on your dreams.”
In a world where many shy away from mathematics, this Akwa Ibom prodigy has shown that numbers can indeed open doors—not just to academic glory, but to a future of endless possibilities.
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