Miss Fatima Adamu, 15-year-old an indigene of Gombe state, Nigeria has won 7 international mathematics competitions since she was just 9 years old.
From the American Mathematics Competition to the Komodo Math Festival in Indonesia, Fatima has proven herself
Fatima Adamu Maikusa has set an unprecedented record after winning seven Mathematics medals in different competitions across the world.
Fatima, the Mathematics Genius, has become a role model to many young girls, since she started conquering the world through mathematical strength at the age of nine.
Fatima is currently an SSS 3 student at the Nigerian Tulip International School (NTIC) Kano, Nigeria.
As early as age of 9, she started her mathematics adventure by winning a medal at American Mathematics Competition (AMC 08)
Below are the 7 medals already won by Fatima:
American Mathematics Competition (AMC 08)
Intemational Eduversal Mathematics competition, Jakarta
Indonesia, International Mathematics Challenge, Bangkok Thailand
Kangourou Sans Frontiers – KSF mathematics competitions
Future Intelligence Students Olympiad (FISO)
Mathematics Without Borders, Bulgaria
Komodo math festival, Indonesia.
In an interview with Daily Trust, She speaks about her inspirations, aspirations and experience so far, having won seven international medals in mathematics
What was your source of inspiration?
I have really loved math since my primary school days. I think it is because it’s one of the easiest subjects and I enjoy it.
So many students hate math, why did you say it’s the easiest?
Definitely, if you do not know how to do something, you say it’s hard and you get frustrated and hate it.
Maybe they don’t get to see the other side of it. They are seeing the difficult side.
Were you taught mathematics by anyone at home beside school?
No. I don’t even have extra tutors at home.
So, it’s inborn?
Yes, it’s a natural thing.
Maybe your mother?
No, I don’t have any extra lessons apart from the one in school but I have practiced more since I was in primary school. Because I love maths, I frequently practice it. I have been doing it on my own.
What was the experience like participating in those competitions you won?
Some of them were difficult but then, we passed. It was nice being on the stage, I felt like I had achieved something already. It was fun.
I was kind of nervous initially but I wanted to win those medals because I want to go to Harvard University and they said I really need to do so, as part of my requirements.
How did you feel when you were announced winner?
I felt so happy. At some point, I saw the victory coming but to a larger extent, I wasn’t seeing myself coming out victorious. It was a surprise.
Who are your role models?
My parents, teachers and all successful people who have made it in life.
What are your future aspirations?
I want to be a computer programmer at Harvard University, God willing.
Why computer programming, because it involves calculations?
Yes, I love it. I want to break records and also contribute by making inventions, solve problems, especially those related to depletion of the ozone layer, global warming and other issues that can help ease the problems of humans.
What are the things that helped you develop your skills in mathematics?
Things that helped me are the Olympiad camps I went through during my junior and senior classes.
When I wanted to do programming, I improved my skills through informatics classes and also by participating in mathematics camps.
I want to thank my teachers and my school. They actually helped me a lot. They made me go through classes that helped me improve.
Finally, to my parents, especially my father who stood by my dream. I am going through the processes of my admission at Harvard and he is committed to it.
