UCMAS 2025: Celebrating Young Minds in Mental Agility

By Love Oyedokun

On a vibrant Saturday, November 22, 2025, the atmosphere was electrifying at the 6th National Competition organized by the Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System (UCMAS). With over a thousand students from various schools participating, the event showcased the extraordinary abilities of children aged 4 to 13 in a series of mental math challenges utilizing the abacus—a tool that has become synonymous with enhancing cognitive skills in young learners.

Cablenews24 reports that the UCMAS program, which first launched in Nigeria in October 2015, is designed to help children develop crucial cognitive skills, such as focus, memory, and problem-solving, through engaging mental arithmetic exercises. As it has gained traction, the competition has evolved into an annual assessment held since 2020, with students demonstrating their mental prowess in calculating rapidly and accurately while visualizing the beads of the abacus. The results are not just numerical; they contribute significantly to a child’s confidence and promote overall brain development.

Originating in Malaysia in 1993, UCMAS has now spread its reach to over 80 countries, firmly establishing itself as a global leader in child development through mental mathematics. John Kwabu, UCMAS Country Director for Nigeria, expressed the significance of the competition as a hallmark event for children enrolled in the program. He noted that it provides them with the opportunity to highlight their skills across various cognitive arenas, emphasizing the program’s focus on promoting skills such as memory retention, listening, concentration, and multitasking.

Since its inception in Nigeria, UCMAS has made remarkable strides, expanding from its base in Lagos to include participation from eight different states, including Oyo, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Kaduna. With ambitions to extend its reach into the eastern regions of Nigeria, UCMAS aims to include even more children in its enriching experiences. Currently, more than a thousand schools across these states have embraced the UCMAS program, with ongoing efforts to invite additional institutions to participate.

Reflecting on UCMAS’s international journey, Kwabu shared that the initiative’s roots began in Malaysia and later expanded to Ghana in 2007, setting the stage for a worldwide movement dedicated to cognitive development. Nigeria’s participation has been crucial since the program’s establishment here, further enhancing its capacity to affect change in children’s educational outcomes.

During an interview, Mrs. Akingbade Nofisat, proprietress of Great Standard Montessori Modern School in Abeokuta, highlighted the transformative impact of UCMAS on her school’s educational approach. Since the school’s inception four years ago, the integration of UCMAS has provided a stimulating and engaging program that enhances mental alertness. She noted that many students have shown remarkable improvement in cognitive abilities since incorporating UCMAS into their curriculum.

Excited about her school’s first-time participation in the competition, Nofisat expressed confidence in UCMAS’s training programs designed for children from diverse educational backgrounds. She commended the efforts of the event organizers, recognizing the significant role they play in supporting the mental development of Nigerian children. Encouraging the organizers to persist in their efforts, she acknowledged the life-changing effects UCMAS has on enhancing children’s abilities.

To the young participants, Nofisat emphasized the importance of viewing the competition as an opportunity for personal growth instead of merely a contest. She encouraged them to take lessons from their peers in other schools and remain dedicated to honing their skills. Her motivational message resonated: every student has the potential to become a champion, and perseverance in their efforts will yield fruitful results.

Stephanie Osugo, a parent from Bloomfield Elementary School, expressed her unwavering support for the UCMAS program. She has seen firsthand the impact it has had on her son, allowing him to perform mental calculations with confidence and eliminating any fear of numbers. Osugo urged the government to promote equal opportunities for children in public schools to engage in such vital educational programs, highlighting the need to integrate relevant subjects into the curriculum. She criticized current educational practices for neglecting innovative teaching methods, stressing that skills acquired through UCMAS are essential for understanding technological concepts and daily life applications.

Mary Oluwaboye, the Ogun State Area Coordinator for UCMAS in Nigeria, pointed out a critical issue: public schools are currently sidelined from the UCMAS experience due to a lack of government adoption, leaving only private institutions to benefit. She passionately advocated for the program’s incorporation into public schools, underlining the substantial benefits it offers in boosting brain development and maximizing children’s inherent potential. Noting the program’s nearly decade-long history in Nigeria, she revealed that it has helped many children—including those who previously struggled academically—achieve significant advancement in their studies.

Elaborating on the potential of the human brain, Oluwaboye highlighted that while individuals typically use only 2 to 3% of their intellectual capacity, programs like UCMAS can facilitate the unlocking of hidden potential. With around five million children trained globally and a successful track record in Nigeria, UCMAS has proven effective in improving focus, speed, accuracy, and overall academic proficiency. Indeed, numerous success stories abound, including slow learners who have made significant progress in subjects such as mathematics and science, even attaining aspirations like studying medicine.

The 2025 competition featured various engaging activities, including a word puzzle challenge, listening calculations, and question-and-answer segments that spanned current affairs and other captivating topics.

Participating schools, such as Millhouse School, City Pride School, and Gemseed Academy, have made their presence felt in the event, with winners emerging across multiple categories—ranging from puzzle gameplay to advanced abacus calculations and mental math challenges. Students also showcased their general knowledge through questions about current events and notable global affairs.

In conclusion, the UCMAS 6th National Competition has not only celebrated the talent and dedication of young students but has also highlighted the importance of cognitive development in fostering the future generation’s success. As students, educators, and parents unite in this effort, one thing remains clear: UCMAS is poised to continue making a profound impact on education in Nigeria and beyond.

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