Mmesomachi Nwachukwu's journey in maths has taken him to competitions from Hong Kong to Rio de Janeiro to Moscow. Now he's back in Nigeria, teaching children at Special Maths Academy and trying to answer a question that followed him the whole way: what does it take for a gifted Nigerian child to actually go somewhere with it? We talk about how to spot talent early and how to build the support that carries it forward. We also ask the harder question of whether a culture that often settles for "good enough" can make real room for excellence. Along the way, we get into why so many Nigerians see maths as something to fear or endure, and what Olympiad success could mean beyond the medals. If we raise more exceptional problem-solvers, could they be the ones who drive innovation across the economy?

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In this new series, Iyefu sits down each month with the African researchers, scientists, technologists, engineers, industrialists and policymakers shaping the African machinery, to explore the ideas behind their work, from breakthroughs on the global stage to fundamental problems solved at home.

Conversations about science, technology, industry, policy and philosophy, and how we can organise towards a prosperous Africa. Pull up a chair, and let's begin.

Stay connected:
Write to us: hello@thezeitgeistnow.com
Follow @thezeitgeistnow on X and Instagram for updates
Subscribe to the Zeitgeist Now newsletter at https://www.thezeitgeistnow.com/
And be sure to follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts.