Where do Nigeria’s math whizkids end up?
- Nigeria sends its brightest teenage mathematicians to the International Mathematical Olympiad every July.
- A comprehensive analysis shows that two-thirds of Nigerian IMO alumni from 2006 to 2021 now live and work outside Nigeria.
- 60% of these alumni work in tech/engineering roles at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.
The trend of Nigerian IMO alumni moving abroad highlights both a challenge and an opportunity for Nigeria. While the brain drain poses a risk to the country's development, the success of these individuals in global tech roles can also lead to knowledge transfer and mentorship opportunities that could benefit future generations of mathematicians in Nigeria. It is crucial for stakeholders to create an environment that retains talent while also leveraging the diaspora's expertise.
