Math is the language of the world – Olympiad medalist Roland Ndjamba

Namibian pupil Roland Ndjamba returned as a bronze medallist from the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad in Gaborone, Botswana, and with a renewed passion for the subject he calls “the language of the world”.

Currently an advanced subsidiary level pupil at the International School of Walvis Bay, Ndjamba was part of the six-member Namibian team that represented the country in this year’s continental competition.

“There is an inherent satisfaction in the clarity, rigour and axiomatic foundations that mathematics offers, which sparked and continues to intrigue my enduring passion for the subject,” he says.

In preparation for the Olympiad, Ndjamba says he took part in three intensive training camps organised by the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology. He adds that he spent time on weekends to self-study, tackling past problems and online tutorials to sharpen his problem-solving skills.

One of his toughest moments, he says, came during problem six, traditionally the most difficult question of any Olympiad. After 20 minutes of deep reflection, Ndjamba says he pushed himself to stay calm and persistent, a moment that reminded him of the value of perseverance.

“Mentally, I encouraged myself to remain resolute, exhibiting fortitude, and not to succumb to despondency,” he says.

When the final results were announced, Ndjamba says he was in disbelief. He states that although he’s still absorbing the magnitude of the achievement, the bronze medal was an honour that validates years of hard work.

Ndjamba says he is setting his sights on the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) in Queensland, Australia, this July, adding that he continues his dual strategy of structured training and autodidactic learning.

Recently, he also attended a seminar hosted by former IMO participants, an experience he describes as insightful and motivating.

“These achievements are milestones on my journey toward admission into my dream universities. My ambition is to become a quantitative analyst, a profession that synthesises mathematics, finance and computer science,” Ndjamba adds.

Looking ahead, Ndjamba says he hopes more young Namibians will embrace mathematics, not as a subject to fear or avoid, but as a tool for understanding the world.

“Math is only boring when you see it as just a subject, scary when you see it as a hard subject, but an amazing concept when it is understood as the language of the world,” he says.

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