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Summary
Dr Angela Tabiri, a Ghanaian mathematician known as the "Maths Queen," has become the first African to win the prestigious "Internet Maths Off" competition.
Dr Angela Tabiri, popularly known as the Maths queen in Ghana, has become the first African to win the big Internet Maths Off competition. For the award, mathematicians present their research publicly in an engaging and accessible way. The winner is determined by popular vote, making it a unique blend of academic rigour and popular appeal.
Upon receiving the World’s Most Interesting Mathematician 2024, Dr Angela said, “Medaase! Grateful to everyone who has supported me. It took a village to win.”
Growing up, Dr Angela had always found joy in solving puzzles and mathematical questions, but her journey into maths was not straightforward. She grew up in Ashaiman, a densely populated neighbourhood of Tema, an industrial hub and port an hour’s drive east of the capital, Accra.
She grew up with five sisters. She had always wanted to follow in her siblings’ footsteps, but she couldn’t afford to study business administration like her sisters, so she opted for mathematics and economics.
Aware that women in Africa are traditionally discouraged from taking the subject of mathematics, she hopes that other women will follow in her footsteps and enter the world of mathematics. In 2020, the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme was founded, and Dr Angela became the academic manager. The institute is a mentoring and support scheme for Ghana’s high—or secondary school girls. As such, Dr Angela continues to use her position to create opportunities for African women and girls.
