Meet Nine-Year-Old Nigerian Girl Using TikTok to Teach Mathematics

Nine-year-old Charlotte Muritala from Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, is attracting attention for using TikTok to teach mathematics to other children.

Charlotte, who is a JSS2 student, developed an interest in mathematics at about the age of five. Since then, she has turned her passion for numbers into online lessons, using a whiteboard, marker and smartphone to explain mathematical concepts.

Through her videos, Charlotte teaches topics such as algebra, fractions and the lowest common multiple. She explains mathematical problems in simple, step-by-step ways that make them easier for young learners to understand.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Charlotte said she enjoys mathematics because she loves working with numbers.

“I started liking mathematics since when I was small. I love mathematics because I enjoy numbers,” she said.

Charlotte explained that when she encounters difficult mathematical problems, she breaks them down into smaller parts before solving them.

“First, I like breaking them into small parts. That makes it easier for me. So I break it into small parts, then I solve it,” she said.

She added that whenever one method does not work, she looks for another approach and continues solving the problem step by step.

According to Charlotte, mathematics is something she enjoys rather than a burden.

“Mathematics is fun for me. Some questions are hard, but I like solving them,” she said.

Her passion for mathematics has also extended to social media. Charlotte said her mother created a platform where she could share her knowledge with other children.

“My mum created another platform for me to share what I know with other children. I feel very happy and proud of myself,” she said.

Charlotte’s father also praised her dedication to learning, saying she spends a significant amount of time studying mathematics and reading.

“She’s always with mathematics. Every time, she’s always learning and reading,” he said.

However, he noted that Charlotte remains a nine-year-old child who also enjoys playing.

“She’s a child and she’s still nine years old. Sometimes she plays, but when it comes to reading, she doesn’t joke with it,” he said.

Charlotte’s mathematics teacher described her as an exceptional student with a strong passion for solving mathematical problems.

The teacher said Charlotte’s enthusiasm and ability to solve mathematical problems distinguish her from many of her classmates, describing her as an excellent and outstanding student.

The teacher also called for greater support for children with exceptional academic abilities, including access to qualified teachers, scholarships and adequate funding.

“If you want students to have interest in mathematics, secure the services of qualified teachers, give them scholarships and proper funding,” the teacher said.

Although Charlotte has gained considerable attention online for her ability to explain mathematical concepts, descriptions of her as a “maths genius” should be regarded as a media or social-media label rather than a formally established assessment of her abilities.

For children who struggle with mathematics, Charlotte has a simple message: they should practise regularly, learn from their mistakes and never give up.

“My advice to them is to never give up. They should keep practising every day and don’t be afraid of mistakes,” she said.