The Oshikoto Region emerged as the overall winner of the second Namibia Mathematics Olympiad (NMO), which was held in the capital on Thursday, the region had four participating schools, Tsumeb Secondary School, Oshilulu Community School, Onguti Secondary School, and Heroes Private School, which each received N$10,000 worth of mathematics and science equipment.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, in collaboration with the National Commission on Research, Science, and Technology (NCRST), along with the University of Namibia (UNAM), and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), was aimed at popularising science, technology, and innovation among students, teachers, educators, and the general public.

During the event, education minister, Anna Nghipondoka, stated that the Namibian education system has focused on relevant, quality education that embraces the ever-changing world of work and prepares a learner who is a critical thinker and a science and technology expert, in line with Vision 2030. 

She stated that the Namibian government recognises the importance of mathematics in everyday life and has thus introduced the Namibian Mathematical Olympiad, through the NCRST as one of the steps toward realising the Vision 2030 goal of transforming Namibia into a knowledge-based economy. 

"The Namibia Mathematics Olympiad is an excellent opportunity for students to improve their math skills, and because of the analytical and engaging nature of the problems they are exposed to, participating learners are more likely to develop higher-order thinking skills. Aside from that, it equips them with the skills required for the future of production in the fourth industrial revolution," she stated. 

Albertina Ngurare, Acting Chief Executive Officer of NCRST, stated that the NMO is a true demonstration of the partnership between government, industry, and universities, adding that it aligns with the government's policy goals and development plans. 

"As a result, we are proud and grateful to the local and international sponsors who have responded positively to our requests for assistance. It is still our hope and goal to broaden the categories of future mathematics olympiads to include primary school students," she stated.