Fed. Poly Damaturu Staff-School Student Beats Schools In NTIC National Maths-Competition

A Junior Secondary School student of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu Staff School, Maryama Abdullahi Musa, has brought honour to Yobe State after emerging overall best in the 2026 Nigerian Tulip International Colleges, NTIC, Annual National Mathematics Competition.

She was also named the Best Graduating Student in the Junior Secondary School section of her school.

The NTIC examination was conducted on February 7, 2026, at the Government Girls Unity College, Damaturu. Results were released six months after the test, with students from 101 schools across the country participating.

Maryama scored the highest marks in the competition. The award was presented to her during a ceremony held at the school premises in Damaturu.

Speaking to The View Nigeria, the Principal of FEDPODAM Staff School, Tasimda Chinanda, described Maryama’s performance as "exceptional" and said it has put Yobe State on the national academic map.

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dr. Ibrahim Bello Bashir, congratulated the student, her parents and teachers, noting that the achievement has brought pride to the polytechnic and Yobe State as a whole.

Maryama attributed her success to extra moral classes conducted by her lesson teacher, Uncle Audu Bukar, as well as personal readings and consistent study of both academic and religious books.

"I read my books, attend extra classes with Uncle Audu, and also do personal readings. Memorising the Qur’an also helps me to stay focused," she said.

Born on June 9, 2012, Maryama hails from Abba Ibrahim By-Pass, Damaturu, Yobe State. She enrolled in primary school in 2020.

A Hausa-Fulani Muslim, Maryama speaks English, Hausa and Kanuri. Her hobbies include memorising the Qur’an, reading Hadith and Islamic books, and interacting with friends and relatives. Her favourite dish is Dan Wake, and her favourite colours are blue and black. She also enjoys playing jumping games.

The NTIC Annual Mathematics Competition is organised yearly by Nigerian Tulip International Colleges in collaboration with the National Mathematical Centre to discover and reward young mathematical talents in Nigeria.