I will be writing about my son today. He really deserves my attention via this post after his achievement last week Saturday?
What is the achievement all about? He came first in the State, during a Mental Mathematics Competition. I was so happy and felt so emotional about this feat achieved by him. But before I continue, let me take you back a little before this time.
Registration for the competition.
The maiden edition of this competition was held in 2023. My young son participated in his schools qualifying stage for selection. He did well and was selected by his school.
That year, the School Owner paid for all his students participating in the competition.
The school did very well. They won the overall best and second position , as well as the fourth position. My son took the 4th position then, but it never went down well with him. So he started preparing for the next year's competition.
The Year 2024
I registered the Mental Mathematics competition for him. He worked and practiced very hard to at least secure the second position. The competition came but he still ended up 4th for his grade. However, unlike the first time, he was given a chess board game as a gift. He really loved it since he loved the chess game.
Now with only a chance left to engage in the competition, he now set his target at the first position.
Current year 2025
He constantly reminded me of his desire to be part of the competition regularly. So when the time came, he used his savings to register for it and told me not to worry. I was so surprised that he has been saving for it. He was always up practicing with the elder sibling even at night. He will always remind me that the first position was his.
On the day of the competition, 5th July, 2025, my entire family went with him to support him. It was like a family days out.
We were so surprised at the number of schools and students that came for it. Other parents brought their wards too for the competition.
It was held at TETFUND Building located at University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwaibom State. The hall was big enough to contain all.
The competition started quite late due to some uncontrollable circumstances. However, everything now continued in motion.
First, all the participants were subjected to a written tests based on their grade level
| Grade level | no of questions | time |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 10 | 10 mins |
| Grade 1 | 15 | 10 minns |
| Grade 2 | 20 | 10 mins |
| Grade 3 | 25 | 10 mins |
| Grade 4 | 30 | 10 mins |
| Grade 5 | 35 | 10 mins |
| Grade 6-8 | 45 | 10 minsl |
The selection was based not just on the score but the time contestant finished answering the question. The papers were marked, and the time taken into consideration. From there, the winners for the next stage of the competition was selected. My son was selected too for his grade. He came first for the written test too.
Now comes the real deal. Each grade had 8 contestants that emerged winners from the written test.
They were asked questions and where given 5 seconds to do the mental mathematics and give the answers.
(kindergarten grade on stage)
The competition went on until it cme to my sons grade level. Mentally doing those calculations was not easy. Especially, as the complexity increases based on the grade level. Let me give an example here
89-56(234675)+√7863√345. = Answer. Some of the questions are more complex than this, especially for my sons grade level.
Despite this the ease with which the children answers them leave nothing about their preparedness for this competition .
My son came out with other 7 contestants and their quiz started.
He got the answers to all the questions while the contest who got the second position failed one.
I and other members of my family were overjoyed when he emerged the best in his grade and the entire senior category.
You can see him with his trophy and certificates which were presented to him by the organizers.
Unfortunately, the lighting in the hall was poor.
These other pics will help too.
Not only was he given a trophy and a certificate, a gift voucher accompanied them. We got hearty cheers from friends and some came home with us to rejoice and share their happiness with us.
I never knew that he would be this determined and focused to achieve this feat. This has taught me another version of my little boy. This also shows that he is growing up with the mindset to be serious and dogged when pursuing things that are important to him.
As they always say The young shall grow. Looking forward to raising a responsible young man.
Thank you all for sharing in my joy