15-year-old Girl Emerges Brightest Agricultural Science Student in Nigeria

Raheem Akingbolu

The Brightest National Agricultural Science Quiz season 1 came to an end recently with Ms. Nimotallah Tiamiyu SS2 student of Al-Ameen College Lagos State emerging the Best Agricultural Science Student in Nigeria winning the grand prize of N4 million University scholarship.

Nimotallah, earned 963 yield to beat Jubril Olukolu from Ilasan Senior Secondary School Lagos ,who earned 762 points as the  second runner-up and Aninze Jennifer from Faith Academy Asaba, Delta State, the  third  runner-up who amassed  687 points at the finals. All the  nine finalists showcased exceptional knowledge, innovation, and dedication in Agricultural Science. Their achievements not only highlight personal dedication but also underscore the importance of agricultural education in Nigeria’s future.

At the epic event that had lots of stakeholders including top executives of OCP Africa, Black Country Farms, and ProvidusBank, Nimotallah and the other  eight  finalists put up their best performances in answering Agricultural Science-based questions cutting across topics like animal reproduction, pest control, crop science and soil management.

agricultural technology and environmental sustainability.

“We are immensely proud of Nimotallah’s accomplishment, she embodies the future of Nigerian agriculture, which is bright and full of promise “ said Senior Special Adviser to the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Ayo Popoola.

He went ahead to emphasise on the need for a re-orientation of youths on the knowledge of the’ new agriculture’ based on technology as against the ‘hoe and cutlass’ notion of farming. For Nigeria to grow in the space of agriculture, everybody must be ready to soil their hands because food is an essential part of human existence. He promised to use his official capacity to empower the Brightest Project, extending the vision of Brightest National Agric Science Quiz to all parts of the country with more schools in participation with the full support of the Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security.

In his welcome address, the Country Manager of OCP Africa,  Oluwatoba Asana, emphasised on the need for all stakeholders to support the vision of Brightest National Agric Science Quiz using Nimotallah’s performance as a case study. OCP Africa has invested over $80 million in Nigeria since 2016 in the production of fertilizer and farmers empowerment at different levels and is committed to even do more.

Head of Marketing & Strategy, CoS, BlackCountry Farms, Alexis Udegbe,  congratulated the winner and urged Nigerian youths to embrace agriculture and its application for a secured generational future.  

“I am thrilled and honored to win this competition,” said Nimotallah. “Agriculture is vital to our country’s development, and I hope to contribute to its advancement through continued learning and innovation. I am grateful to my teachers, family, and everyone who have supported me on this journey.”

Nimotallah’s achievement is expected to inspire other students to pursue excellence in Agricultural Science and contribute to the growth of the sector. Her win also brings attention to the critical role of education in empowering young minds to tackle real-world challenges.

The Brightest National Agric Science Quiz Contest is an annual competition dedicated to promoting the critical role of agricultural science in human existence and stimulating their quest in exploring numerous opportunities therein by studying relevant courses at the tertiary level that will promote continuous mechanized food production.

Brightest National Agricultural Science was developed by JustMedia Productions, a leading Content producer in Africa with outstanding showreels including InterswitchSPAK National Science Competition in Nigeria and Kenya, Cowbellpedia, Cruxlearning Math Contest, and WordSmith English Language Contest.