Over 20 African countries have shown interest to participate in the Maiden edition of the Pan African Science Olympiad holding in Abuja later this month.

The competition, which was initiated by Professor Aderemi Kuku, President, African Academy of Science, would see students compete for laurels in all science subjects.

Speaking in Abuja, the Director and Chief Executive of the National Mathematical Centre, Professor Adewale Solarin said that the completion is meant for secondary school students in order to expose them to above level curriculum.

Professor Solarin included that participating countries would also use the competition to compare their curriculum and standard of education.

"This competition is good for our education system, since our post primary education terminates below advance level."

He pointed out that it would help the country to see the inadequacies of students in the country.

A National Committee headed by the Director, Higher Education in the Federal Ministry of Education is already in place to ensure Nigeria’s smooth hosting of the event, which will take place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja from August 22nd-29th, 2015.