The rural commune of Bangui in Niger’s Madaoua Department has launched its inaugural Reading and Mathematics Competition.
The event, which unfolded on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the grounds of Jakata Primary School in Bangui II, marks a significant step towards promoting academic excellence in the region.
Presided over by the Delegate Administrator of Bangui, Mr. Garba Na-Ama, the launch ceremony drew a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Among the attendees were traditional and religious leaders, school teachers, students, parents, and representatives from partner organizations.
The principal of Jakata Primary School opened the ceremony by warmly welcoming guests and presenting the day’s agenda.
A salute to the national flag set the tone for a ceremony imbued with patriotism and purpose.
The local school inspector took the stage next, briefly recounting the origin of the initiative and expressing gratitude to the Managing Director for his role in bringing the project to life.
In his address, the Managing Director linked the competition to a broader national narrative, stating, “Since the events of July 26, 2023, our country has entered a decisive turning point in its history.”
He emphasized that the leadership of President and Head of State, Army General Abdourahamane Tchiani, had inspired citizens to contribute to national reconstruction.
The Delegate Administrator echoed this sentiment, asserting that the competition embodies the spirit of renewal and development.
“The various messages to the nation from the President of the Republic are a perfect illustration of this,” he said, noting that the initiative is aligned with national priorities.
Mr. Na-Ama highlighted the competition’s objectives: to nurture a passion for reading and mathematics among students and teachers, promote academic excellence, and galvanize community participation in education.
“This competition aims, among other things, to encourage students and teachers to love reading and mathematics, cultivate excellence in the schools of the municipality and mobilize stakeholders,” he stated.
A total of 256 students, selected during a preliminary phase across local schools, will compete in this first edition.
They have been assigned to five CAPED centers: Bangui District, Jataka, Korama Lamso, Mallalébi, and Takorka.
The best-performing students from these centers will qualify for the final round, to be held in Bangui on May 8.
The event will culminate in a prize-giving ceremony honoring the competition’s standout performers.
Mr. Na-Ama concluded the launch by wishing all candidates success and safe travels: “I wish a healthy competition to all the candidates and a safe return to their respective homes to all those who made the trip to Jataka.”
This first edition has sparked optimism, underscoring how local initiatives can foster unity, resilience, and educational progress in post-crisis Niger.
Source: ANP