Plateau shines at cowbellpedia, moves to semi finals

Plateau State has joined 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, 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 include Mukhtar Bashir Bugaje of MariamohAjiri Memorial International School, Katsina; Zeenat Abdullahi of Nigerian Tulip International Girls College, Kano; Jessie Emeshili of Regina Pacis College, Abuja; and Jeremiah Ugwuodo of Calvary Arrows College, Gboko, Benue State.

Jonathan, 14,attributed his performance to consistent practice of Mathematics, while expressing hope of winning the competition.

“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 others took their exit.

Jessica, a second timer in the competition, scored 95 percent in the qualifying examination. According to her, mathematics is fun, and she is excited at participating in the competition.

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

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the competition, 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.