Esomnofu Chidiebube Ifechukwu has dedicated his life to combating math phobia, a battle he knows intimately.
“In secondary school, mathematics was my greatest enemy. I dreamt of becoming a medical doctor, but math cru$hed that dream,” he admits, reflecting on the struggles that propelled him into a new path. Esomnofu made a promise to himself: “I would exact my revenge.”
Choosing to pursue a degree in mathematics education, he aimed not just to understand math, but to master the art of teaching it. His journey began in 2010 at a primary school where he earned a meager 4,000 naira. After proving his passion, his salary increased to 5,000 naira. However, it was never about the money; it was about “fighting back against the fear and confusion that math instilled in so many.”
Esomnofu’s teaching philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Teach math with passion, always relating it to real life.” Even in his dreams, he would solve math problems, fueling his dedication to the cause. In 2013, during his teaching practice at Royal Saints International School in Awka, he reinforced the idea that math should not be feared but mastered. His mission expanded as he taught at various schools, including Cordi Stars International School and City International School.
A significant turning point came in 2018 when he joined British Spring College as a math teacher. “This was a turning point for me as I began integrating technology into my teaching,” he shares. Yet, his heart remained with struggling students. He made a bold move in 2020, resigning from a comfortable salary of 84,000 naira to work at Community Secondary School Igbariam for just 45,000 naira. “I spent 38,000 on transportation alone, but I didn’t care. I was happier than ever, transforming students who once f€ared math into students who loved it.”
Esomnofu and his supporters provided nearly every student with free math and English textbooks, producing over 5,000 copies of WAEC past questions on DVDs, which he distributed free of charge to more than 3,000 students in Anambra State. “This wasn’t about money; it was about ending math phobia,” he emphasized.
His reach blossomed as he established social media platforms, amassing over a million followers across Facebook and YouTube. “Millions of students worldwide watch my math videos every month,” he notes, adding that he has received countless calls from parents whose children’s lives were transformed through his work. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning him over 10 awards, including the Maltina Teacher of the Year State Champion for Anambra.
In a display of community support, the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha, selected him for Anambra Teaching on Air. “I will forever be grateful to Mr. Patrick Okeke, the coordinator, and the Honorable Commissioner, who even sent me money from her personal account to support my efforts,” he expresses with gratitude.
Yet, the journey has not been without challenges. Esomnofu recalls a low moment in 2020 when he applied for the Maltina Teacher of the Year Award but fell short of the top three. “I was heartbrok€n and told myself I would never apply again,” he admits. However, he soon remembered his original motivation: “It was never about winning—it was about helping students win.”
In 2021, a pivotal moment arrived when uLesson Education offered him a chance in Abuja to hone his digital teaching skills. Following this, he found his calling at Crown Grace School in Mararaba, Nasarawa State. “In 2024, at the last minute, my mentor Mrs. TeacherRose Nkem Obi urged me to apply again for the Maltina Teacher of the Year Award,” he recalls. This time, his efforts were crowned with success as he became one of the top finalists.
Looking back, Esomnofu reflects on his incredible transformation: “From the boy who once failed math to the man now recognized as one of the best math teachers in Nigeria, I have come full circle.” He dedicates his Maltina Teacher Of The Year Award to every student who has ever feared math. “If I could overcome it, so can you. This is only the beginning. Together, we will end math phobia for good.”
In closing, he extends his heartfelt thanks: “Thank you, Maltina Teacher Of The Year, for believing in teachers like me. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. I am forever grateful.”
