PLATEAU STATE SHINES AT COWBELLPEDIA, MOVE TO SEMI-FINALS

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Plateau State has joined the elite league of states whose candidates have progressed to the semi-finals of the ongoing Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz Show, sponsored by Cowbell Milk, the frontline brand of Promasidor Nigeria Limited.

In the preliminary junior category Group G contest, Jonathan Okonkwo from Baptist High School, Naraguta, Jos, Plateau State, proceeded to that stage alongside Favour Okarike of Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State after slugging it out with four other contestants.

The four contestants, who could not move further in the competition, are Mukhtar Bashir Bugaje of Mariamoh Ajiri Memorial International School, Katsina, Katsina State; Zeenat Abdullahi of Nigerian Tulip International Girls College, Kano, Kano State; Jessie Emeshili of Regina Pacis College, Abuja; and Jeremiah Ugwuodo of Calvary Arrows College, Gboko, Benue State.

Jonathan, 14, attributed his performance to the consistent practice of Mathematics while expressing high hope of being the 2018 champion. “This is the 20th anniversary which is a landmark. It will be so fantastic to be the champion of this landmark edition. This is my promise to my family and my school. So help me God,” he declared.

On his part, Favour, who had a perfect score in the qualifying examination held in February, explained that Mathematics requires endurance and determination to deal with.

In the senior category, Jessica Austine of Federal Government Girls College Owerri, Imo State; and Emmanuel Igban of the Ambassador College Ota, Ogun State qualified for the semi-finals, while four other counterparts took their exit.

They are:Aliu Lionel Daniel of The NYSC School Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State; Tochukwu Egwuchika of Shalom Academy Nsukka, Enugu State; Tunmise Idowu of Scholars Universal Secondary School, Ota, Ogun State; and Ofodu Praise Chukwuemeka of Petoa City College Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Jessica, a second timer in the competition, scored 95 per cent in the qualifying examination.  According to her, Mathematics is fun, and she is excitement participating in the competition. “If I win, I will be happy. But if I did not, life continues. For me, Mathematics is fun that is why I am in the competition again,” she explained.

For Emmanuel, Mathematics is easy to pass if students changed their mentality and focus more on the positive side of the subject.

To make for an exciting 20th anniversary of Cowbell and Mathematics in Nigeria, Promasidor Nigeria Limited has doubled this year’s prize money 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.

In addition, each of the winning schools will be presented with Mathematics textbooks, desktop computers and printers.

The 2018 Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics 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.