Nigerian student wins bronze at international science fair in Turkey

A Nigerian student, Ibrahim Mejama of General Hassan College, Yelwa, Bauchi State, has won a bronze medal at the 2026 International Mathematics, Science and Engineering Fair (IMSEF) held in Cesme, Turkey.

The Coordinator of the Society for the Promotion of Science and Technology (SPST), Mr Iheanacho Achoakawa, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

Achoakawa said the competition, held from June 1 to June 5, attracted participants from about 25 countries across Africa, Europe and other parts of the world.

According to him, Mejama represented Nigeria with a project titled, “Design and Construction of a Biogas Electric Stove Using a Remote Control,” which earned him third place and a bronze medal.

“The competition had about 25 countries in attendance, and Nigeria was represented by only one student. His project came third, which is a remarkable achievement for the country,” he said.

Achoakawa said invitations to participate in the competition were sent to state ministries of education nationwide, but only a few states responded and completed the selection process.

He urged state governments and schools to support science and technology education initiatives to enable more students to benefit from international exposure and opportunities.

According to him, participation in such competitions promotes innovation, creativity and scientific excellence among secondary school students.

He disclosed that the Bauchi State Government had promised Mejama a scholarship for his university education in recognition of the feat.

Achoakawa also said the student had qualified to represent Nigeria at a higher-level science competition scheduled to hold in Brazil in October.

“Since 2007, we have been taking Nigerian students to international science competitions, and at different times our students have won prizes, including first place.

“We want more states to key into this programme because it exposes students to international opportunities and allows them to interact with their peers from different countries.

“The Bauchi State Government has promised this student a scholarship for his university education, and he has also qualified to represent Nigeria at a higher-level competition in Brazil in October,” he said.

The SPST coordinator noted that Nigerian students had previously participated in competitions in South Africa, Brazil and other countries, recording notable successes.

He reiterated the need for increased support from governments, schools and other stakeholders to encourage more students to participate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities.

Achoakawa expressed optimism that greater participation would help nurture future innovators capable of contributing to Nigeria’s technological advancement and economic development. (NAN)

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