Three Nigerian students returned from Rome carrying gold medals and global recognition after competing at the International STEM Olympiad. Their victories made headlines, but their journey also drew attention to the person who helped ensure they could participate: Alex Onyia.
When funding challenges threatened the students’ trip, he covered their travel, accommodation and logistics. His intervention allowed them to compete alongside students from more than 150 countries and brought renewed attention to the possibilities within Nigerian education.
At a time when academic competitions no longer command the excitement they once did, Alex Onyia is making excellence visible and aspirational again.
Read: Nigerian Students Shine at 2026 International STEM Olympiad in Rome
Building Opportunities Beyond Educare
Many people know Alex Onyia as the founder and CEO of Educare, a school management technology platform used by schools to improve their administrative and academic operations.
However, his work has increasingly extended beyond software. Through his support for academic competitions, talented students can access opportunities that may otherwise have remained beyond their reach.
This is reflected in the South East Maths Olympiad, which has grown into a major STEM competition involving more than 11,500 students across the region. The initiative provides young people with an opportunity to test their abilities, gain confidence and ensure that academic achievement is celebrated.
Removing the Barriers Around Talent
The students who travelled to Rome almost missed the competition after expected government support reportedly failed to materialise.
Alex’s decision to fund their participation was significant because talent requires more than admiration. Young people need access, exposure and people who are prepared to support them at critical moments.
Alex Onyia also kept providing information about the students’ progress, helping people at home follow the competition and recognise the country’s presence at the international event.Their journey became a national story about what Nigerian students can accomplish when they are properly supported.
Making Education Part of the National Conversation
He is also an advocate for stronger educational standards. He has called for greater transparency in public examinations, questioned practices that weaken learning outcomes and encouraged schools to prepare students for a technology-driven future.
His advocacy during the JAMB examination controversy contributed to wider conversations about fairness, accountability and the use of technology in education.
His work through Educare follows a similar principle: technology should help schools improve their systems and support learning rather than replace the role of good teachers.
Read: 3 Nigerians are Competing at the International STEM Olympiad in Rome
Making Academic Excellence Aspirational Again
The most important part of Alex Onyia’s contribution is the visibility he is giving to academic achievement.
Sport, entertainment and popular culture often receive the greatest public attention. Academic competitions often struggle to attract similar interest, even when young Nigerians perform exceptionally well.
By investing in competitions, sharing the students’ journeys and celebrating their success, young people are reminded that intellectual achievement can open doors.
For the students who travelled to Rome, that support resulted in gold medals. For thousands of others watching from home, it made academic excellence feel exciting and achievable again.
Who are the educators, entrepreneurs and mentors creating opportunities for young people in your community? Share their stories with RefinedNG as we celebrate those helping to shape Africa’s future.