With seven representatives out of 12 contestants in the second semi-final, Ogun State literally set the stage on fire last weekend as it grabbed three slots in the finals in the on-going 2018 Cowbellpedia Secondary School Mathematics Television Quiz Show, powered by Cowbell Milk, the leading brand of Promasidor Nigeria Limited.
The spectacular outing by Gabriel Akogun of Welkin International School; Juliet Ekoko and Enoch Adelekan both of The Ambassador College, all from the sleepy town of Ota, Ogun state put the contest beyond the reach of other states.
In the junior category encounter, Gabriel joined by Chiedozie Uzochukwu of Nigerian Tulip International College for Boys, Abuja emphatically dwarfed the spirited efforts by Iyunade Ogundana, a student of Greater Tomorrow Model College, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Others who fell under the mental firepower include Ngozi Nworu of Bishop Otubelu Juniorate, Enugu, Enugu State; Toluwani Olatunji of The International School University of Ibadan, Oyo State and Beverly Ukoha from Topfaith International Secondary School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Gabriel, son of a teacher, scored 97 percent in the qualifying examination and expressed big confidence about his ability to win the ultimate prize.
With a percent score in the qualifying examination held in February, 14 year old, Chiedozie thanked his parents for firing his interest in mathematics. “My goal is to win the completion and will be very happy if I win because a victory will be a good compensation for all my efforts,” he said.
In the senior category semis, the duo of Juliet and Enoch sealed the fate of their four other counterparts. Those who dropped by the wayside include: Amara Aronu, Emmanuel Igban and Oreofe Daniel, all from The Ambassadors College, Ota, Ogun State. The other casualty was Ayomiposi, Adiji, from Preston International School, Akure, Ondo State.
Juliet, who was the 2015 junior category winner disclosed that her experience on the Cowbellpedia TV Quiz show was quite exciting and interesting. “I have been a champion and will feel very great to be crowned a champion again,” she said.
On his part, Enoch expressed huge relief for getting to the final and prayed that he becomes the champion to make himself, his parents and his school proud.
The contestants will reap a bumper harvest this year due to the significance of the 20th anniversary of Cowbell and Mathematics in Nigeria.
Consequently, this year’s prize money has been doubled as winners in both categories will receive N2 million each with an all-expense paid educational excursion outside the country; while the first and second runners-up will receive N1.5 million and N1 million respectively.
The teachers of the top prize winners will be awarded N500, 000, while those of the first and second runners-up will receive N400,000 and N300,000 respectively.
Also, each of the winning schools will be presented with Mathematics textbooks, desktop computers and printers.
The 2018 Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematic TV Quiz continues this weekend. It will be aired to millions of viewers on DSTv Africa Magic Family Channel, AIT Network and other six television stations across the country.
Meanwhile, preparations have commenced for next year’s edition of the competition. According to the organisers, the 2019 Cowbellpedia registration portal is now open for secondary school students across the country to register.
