The grand finale of the Ojaja Mathematics Quiz 2026 was held in grand style as some of the brightest young minds gathered to compete for honour, recognition, and a share of the competition’s impressive ₦5 million prize pool.
Held within the palace environment in Ile-Ife, the highly anticipated finale brought together the top 10 finalists, all of whom had emerged from earlier stages of the academic contest. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as students, teachers, parents, and supporters watched the contestants display exceptional brilliance, confidence, speed, and analytical ability.
More than 200 students drawn from schools across the South-West participated in the competition, making the grand finale a true showcase of some of the region’s brightest young minds.
The competition, which has continued to grow in stature over the years, is one of the educational programmes under the Hopes Alive Initiative, spearheaded by Her Regal Majesty, Olori Ambassador (Dr) Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, who serves as Deputy Convener, alongside Her husband, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, as Chief Convener.
Through the Hopes Alive Initiative, the royal couple has continued to champion programmes designed to support young people, promote educational development, and encourage academic excellence across communities.
The Ojaja Mathematics Quiz has become a major platform for identifying and rewarding gifted students while inspiring others to take learning more seriously. Beyond the competition itself, the programme represents a wider effort to build a culture of excellence, discipline, and intellectual achievement among young Nigerians.
This year’s grand finale featured the top 10 finalists battling across different stages of mathematical questions and problem-solving exercises. Their performances drew applause from the audience as they demonstrated remarkable intelligence and determination.
The event also highlighted the importance of investing in education as a pathway to a better future. Organisers noted that the competition is not only about winning prizes but also about encouraging young people to believe in their abilities and pursue academic success.
With a total prize pool of ₦5 million and a ₦500,000 cash prize for each winner to be presented on May 27, the competition remains one of the most rewarding educational initiatives in the region
Speaking during the event, Olori Ambassador (Dr) Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi emphasised the importance of education in shaping the future of young people and building stronger communities.
She noted that the Ojaja Mathematics Quiz was not only designed to reward brilliance but also to encourage students to believe in themselves, embrace hard work, and strive for excellence in all they do.
“Education remains one of the greatest tools for transforming lives and securing a better future for our young people. Through the Ojaja Mathematics Quiz, we are not only rewarding brilliance but also encouraging students to believe in themselves, embrace hard work, and strive for excellence in all they do. We are proud of every participant and hopeful that this initiative will continue to inspire more young minds across the South-West and beyond,” she said.
The successful hosting of the 2026 edition once again demonstrated the growing impact of the Hopes Alive Initiative and the continuing efforts of Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi and the Ooni of Ife to uplift young people through meaningful opportunities.
