The COWBELL National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition which began in Lagos in 1998 has today  become a house-hold name in Nigeria.

• To contribute to the improvement of the standard of mathematics education in Nigerian secondary schools.
• To reverse the current failure trend in mathematics by re-awakening interest and consciousness for Mathematics among secondary school students.
• To create a credible medium for identifying and encouraging brilliance among Nigeria students.
• To provide financial assistance to students.

• Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition started in 1998, when it was activated in Lagos State alone.
• In 1999, the scope was expanded to cover 4 states: Lagos, Anambra, Kaduna, and Plateau States.
• In 2000 the scope was further expanded to cover 6 states; Lagos, Anambra, Kaduna, Plateau, Oyo and Imo States.
• In 2001, the competition became national in scope – covering the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
• Federal and State Ministries of Education and the schools themselves have been very supportive over the years ensuring the success of this competition.
• The 2008 edition of Cowbell Mathematics competition is the 9^th  edition as a national competition.