Ouagadougou: Female excellence in mathematics was honored on September 25, 2025, during the third edition of the National “Elite Mathematics” Competition. The ceremony rewarded the best young female “mathematicians” in Burkina Faso in the primary, post-primary, and secondary categories.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the competition, which took place on May 25, 2025, in six composition centers across Burkina Faso, brought together 169 candidates from 79 high schools and schools spread across 12 regions. Candidates were required to have a minimum scientific average of 16/20 for primary school, 15/20 for post-primary school, and 14/20 for secondary school to participate.
Several young girls were recognized on Thursday, September 25, 2025, for their performances. First place in the primary category was won by Wendkouni Merry Grace Princilia Nikiema from the Notre Dame de l’Annonciation School Complex in Cissin. Christelle Fama Mariam Kone from the Wend-Manegda Private College won first place in the post-primary category, while Grace Ashley Jessica Goumbri from the Lycee Scientifique National de Ouagadougou was crowned champion in the secondary category.
In addition to the national winners, a winner in the specific category, Rasmata Ouedraogo, from the GAOUA A Public Primary School, was also rewarded. Prizes awarded to the winners included certificates, school kits, scholarships, medals, trophies, as well as tablets and computers. The winners’ schools also received certificates.
The theme of this edition, ‘Patriotism and Academic Excellence,’ was at the heart of the speeches. The representative of the Minister of Secondary Education, Vocational and Technical Training, Yaya Bonkoungou, welcomed the initiative as a lever to promote science among young girls, a vision that is part of the policy of the Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traore. He encouraged the graduates to prepare themselves mentally and physically for the compulsory patriotic immersion after the BEPC and the baccalaureate.
The patron of the event, Colonel Haoua Fofana, Second Vice-President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly, was represented by Commander Djeneba Oumtana. Colonel Fofana called on young girls to pursue scientific fields without fear, stressing that intelligence does not depend on gender. Ms. Seimata Oubian/Derra, rural engineer and guest of honor, encouraged the winners to cultivate a constant desire for learning and to fight against stereotypes that boys are naturally more gifted in science. She praised the role of parents, whom she called “true everyday heroes,” for their constant support.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of numerous partners, including the Transitional Legislative Assembly, the Ministry of Secondary Education, Vocational and Technical Training and the Burkinabe Diaspora. The Coordinator of the Maison Arc-en-ciel association, Harouna Derra, expressed his gratitude to the partners and participants and congratulated the winners for their efforts.
On Friday, September 26, 2025, the winners went to the Thomas Sankara Memorial where they were nourished by the ideals of the Sankara Revolution alongside the immersed students of the Saaba municipal high school. Finally, they lent a helping hand to the workers of Faso Mebo, this initiative of Captain Ibrahim Traore aimed at beautifying the towns and countryside of Burkina Faso with endogenous resources and expertise.