The Federal Government has dismissed reports circulating online that a 15-year-old Nigerian student, who allegedly qualified to represent the country at the International Mathematics Olympiad in China, was denied sponsorship.

In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Sunday, the government clarified that no official request for sponsorship or financial assistance was received from any recognised institution, organisation, or individual regarding the said competition.

According to the Ministry, a comprehensive review of official correspondence and internal records showed no evidence of any documented application or formal communication seeking support for the student’s participation in the Olympiad.

The Ministry explained that the clarification became necessary to counter misinformation being spread on social media, warning that such unverified claims could mislead the public and unfairly tarnish the image of government institutions.

It further noted that all matters relating to student representation in academic competitions or international sponsorships must follow due process. Such requests, it added, should be submitted through recognised educational bodies or official communication channels for proper verification and approval.

Reiterating its commitment to encouraging excellence, the Federal Government assured that it remains dedicated to supporting outstanding Nigerian students through transparent and merit-based procedures. It also pledged that any legitimate application received through the appropriate channels would be duly considered.

The public was urged to disregard unverified social media claims and rely solely on official statements, the Ministry’s website, and verified social media handles for accurate information on education-related matters.

The statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and merit-driven support for students who bring honour to Nigeria in local and international academic competitions.