In the town of Offa, Kwara State, solving complex algebraic equations has become a routine inside the Muritala family home.
From algebra to simultaneous equations, difficult mathematical problems are broken down into simple, easy-to-understand lessons. But behind these lessons is an unusual voice—that of nine-year-old Charlotte Muritala.
The JSS2 student of Iyeru Okin African Church Secondary School, Offa, discovered her passion for numbers long before entering secondary school.
“I started liking mathematics when I was small because I enjoyed numbers and playing puzzles,” Charlotte told Channels Television. “Mathematics is fun for me. Some questions are hard, but I like trying to solve them.”
Armed with a whiteboard, marker, and smartphone, the young tutor teaches thousands on TikTok, helping her peers see that numbers do not have to be intimidating. She shared that her secret relies on breaking complex problems down.
“First, I break it into smaller parts to make it easier for me,” she explained. “If I’m not getting it at first, I choose the best method and solve it step by step.”
With her parents managing and guiding her online presence, Charlotte has turned social media into more than just a platform for entertainment.
“My mom created the platform for me to share what I know with other children. I feel very happy and proud of myself,” she said.
Her work reflects a growing digital learning trend highlighted by researchers. A 2025 study on child development by researchers Mulida and Silma noted that platforms like TikTok are increasingly serving as informal learning hubs where creators “simplify complex topics, making it easier for children to understand and apply knowledge in real life.”
Citing earlier research by Martinez and Singh, the study highlighted how short video formats make learning digestible, allowing children to grasp concepts quickly while serving as “a supplemental learning tool that complements traditional education.”
Her father, Afeez Muritala, described her as a dedicated child who balances her passion for learning with a normal childhood.
“She’s always learning and reading,” her father said. “Apart from school, she has a lesson teacher, and sometimes when I have the chance, I teach her too. But she is still nine years old. Sometimes she plays, but when it comes to reading, she doesn’t joke with it.”
Charlotte’s impact extends into her physical classroom as well. Her mathematics teacher, Kolawole Oluwasegun, described her as an outstanding student with an exceptional knack for problem-solving.
“Charlotte is an astute student with exceptional skills in mathematics,” Oluwasegun said. “She has a genuine passion for solving any mathematical problem. In a nutshell, she is excellent.”
He also emphasised the need for broader support to encourage mathematical interest among young learners in Nigeria.
“If we want students to develop an interest in mathematics, we must secure the services of qualified teachers, provide scholarships, and ensure proper funding,” the teacher stated. “Organising mathematics quiz competitions with rewards for all participants—not just the top three—will keep students duly motivated.”
For fellow students struggling with the subject, Charlotte wants them to stay resilient.
“My advice to them is to never give up,” she stated. “They should keep practising every day and not be afraid of making mistakes.”
Through her step-by-step tutorials, the nine-year-old hopes to show young learners that even the most difficult problems can be solved with patience, practice, and the right approach.
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