Thelma Osatohanmwen
In a remarkable display of patriotism and dedication to her homeland, 14-year-old mathematician prodigy, Fatima Adamu, has turned down a scholarship offer from the American embassy in Nigeria to pursue her education locally.
NEWSTODAYNG gathered that the maths prodigy, hails from northern Nigeria and has garnered international acclaim for her exceptional mathematical prowess, having clinched victory in seven prestigious international math competitions since the tender age of 9.
Despite the enticing opportunity to study abroad in the United States, Fatima’s parents stood firm in their conviction that their daughter’s talents should be nurtured within their own country, with the aim of contributing to Nigeria’s development.
Netizens have taken to the comment section to react as a lot of them condemned the decision of the parents.
Below are some reactions:
According to @EricChimara, “They don’t want her to start having liberal views about religion when she gets there. That’s all.”
“It’s not every parents that sees abroad as heaven…some parents value their culture and country beside she doesn’t look like she needs America to survive,’@KolajoSams91820 commented.
“Let it not be said of her tomorrow that she was married off to one 65-year senator or that one herder gave her family 5 cows and married her off. She needs to be exposed to the best standard of education and technology, which, unfortunately, I think she can’t get in the present day Nigeria. The move to America is an opportunity and important part of her growth and development as a mathematician.” @Oteesolutions 1 posted.
“Let her go where she’s needed, I don’t know why Nigeria want to keep her when they didn’t have common infrastructure for scientists and mathematicians”, @Omobola said.
“Why deny her a better and conducive environment for learning ? The mentality of some northerners is the reason we are where we are as a nation. It seems they are content with poverty and backwardnes,” @Nwabapromise added.