Terra Industries CEO Pledges ₦40 Million to Support South East Maths Olympiad

The Chief Executive Officer of Terra Industries, Nathan Nwachuku, has announced a donation of ₦40 million in support of the 2027 South East Maths Olympiad, an initiative aimed at strengthening mathematics education and talent development among secondary school students in the region.

The pledge was made as part of efforts to expand participation and improve rewards for outstanding students in the competition, which is organized under the Institute for Educational Support and Excellence (ISEE), led by education advocate Alex Onyia.

With this latest contribution, total funding for the Olympiad has reportedly risen above ₦100 million, including a ₦60 million support package earlier pledged by Sterling Bank.

Organizers say the competition is designed to identify and nurture young mathematical talents across the South East, with over 10,000 students already registered across five states. Top performers are expected to receive cash prizes, including ₦10 million for senior category winners and ₦5 million for junior category winners, along with internship opportunities at Terra Industries.

The initiative has been widely described as a major investment in education and future workforce development, although it has also sparked online debate regarding transparency and funding sources, which organizers and supporters continue to address with emphasis on its educational impact.

The Olympiad is expected to play a key role in building a stronger STEM pipeline for the region and beyond.