249
By Oscar Okhifo
The Managing Director of Tulip International Colleges, Abuja, Dr. Fevzullah Bilgin, has commended the enduring partnership between his institution and the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Kwali, Abuja.
He also emphasized the need to further deepen the collaboration in order to enhance mathematics education in Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview with this medium in Abuja, Dr. Bilgin underscored the significant strides made through the long-standing alliance with NMC, noting that the shared vision of promoting mathematical excellence nationwide has continues to gain momentum.
Asked to be specific on the achievements, he said, “The partnership with the National Mathematical Centre has been enduring and very rewarding to the students. We started in 2003 and I have been here for 15 years.
“We discovered what a collaboration with NMC could do for the students and we birthed a partnership. We’ve been on the same page ever since as regards the need to totally demystify Mathematics, not just for the young ones coming up, but also for those already excelling in it.
“We’ve consistently worked to build their confidence, reminding them that every advanced stage of their learning requires determination to achieve excellence, ” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges students often face in the subject, Dr. Bilgin explained that the fear commonly associated with mathematics inspired the collaboration with NMC in the first place.
He also recognized the successes recorded even before his tenure as the MD of Tulip Int’l Colleges, adding that the partnership has continued to deliver positive results under his leadership.
“The impact has been very obvious. As part of our corporate social responsibility, there are Nigerian students currently studying in Turkey under our scholarship programs. So far, over a thousand students have benefitted,” he revealed.
He reiterated the school’s dedication to identifying mathematically-gifted students at at their early stages of life and then go on to preparing them for academic excellence. Many have excelled even on the global stage.
“Every year, we sponsor two Nigerian students to study in Turkey following our annual National Mathematics competitions, which always attracts no fewer than 10,000 participants from across the country. Presently, more than 1,000 Nigerian students have benefitted from these scholarships.
“From junior to senior classes, we provide special training for both local and international competitions. Even as I speak with you, there are some of our students undergoing some special tutorials in NMC. The results have been outstanding,” he added.
When asked if the Federal Government was happy with the stated results of excellence,
Dr. Bilgin was all joy and expressed appreciation to government for providing a supportive environment through the NMC, and he appealed for continuous assistance to expand their impact in the coming years.
He reaffirmed the school’s commitment to developing top-tier mathematics students and educators, emphasizing that a strong mathematical foundation is essential for national progress.