Spotlight of the Week: Faith Odunsi – Mathematics Prodigy
Faith Odunsi, a Nigerian-born mathematician, gained international recognition at the age of 15 by winning the Global Open Mathematics Tournament in 2021. Her exceptional talent led to a scholarship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
At just 15 years old, Faith made headlines by winning the prestigious Global Open Mathematics Tournament in 2021, an international competition that draws participants from Europe, Africa, America, Asia, and Australia. Her victory was no small feat, she dominated the competition, securing a victory margin of 30 points, and earning a $1,000 prize. This win came on the heels of her previous triumphs, where she had already made her mark in mathematics.
Faith’s victory in the Global Open Mathematics Tournament was a culmination of her dedication to the subject. The competition’s format included computer-based tests, and Faith’s strong performance in both the first and second stages laid the foundation for her eventual success. In the later rounds, she faced off against global contenders on Microsoft Teams, where her quick-thinking and precision helped her secure her place as the top winner. With 40 points, Faith’s victory was uncontested, as the runner-up only scored 10 points.
Her journey to global recognition began earlier, in 2018, when she set a record in Nigeria’s Cowbellpedia Mathematics Competition by answering 19 questions in just 60 seconds, a feat that won her widespread admiration. Faith’s love for mathematics and information and communications technology (ICT) was nurtured by her father, a medical doctor, and her mother, a certified family life practitioner, trauma therapist and businesswoman. Both parents provided unwavering support, offering guidance and encouragement throughout her various competitions.
In her interview with Punch, Faith shared how her family’s support played a key role in her success. She attributes her mathematical prowess to the nurturing environment her parents provided. Despite being just 15 years old, Faith demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, consistently excelling in competitions like the national Olympiad, where she was crowned the “Queen of Mathematics” from JSS3 to SS2, and the South African Mathematics Olympiad, where she earned medals.
Her passion for mathematics led her to dream of studying Computer Engineering. Faith expressed her desire to pursue higher education outside of Nigeria, stating that she believed the facilities and opportunities abroad would better support her aspirations. She is currently studying Computer Science and Engineering at MIT, one of the world’s most prestigious universities, where she is also an active member of the African community on campus, serving as the Social Chair of MIT Africans.
Faith’s accomplishments are far from over. Her journey is a shining example of what young Africans can achieve when given the resources and encouragement to follow their passions. She continues to break barriers and inspire future generations to pursue excellence in mathematics, technology, and beyond.
As she moves forward in her academic career, Faith’s vision is to leverage her education to create innovative solutions that address the challenges facing her community and continent. Her journey is not just about personal success; it is about lifting others and opening doors for the next generation of young African scholars and innovators. Faith Odunsi is proof that with dedication, the right support, and an unyielding belief in one’s potential, anything is possible.
