Nine-year-old Charlotte Muritala is attracting attention in Nigeria after turning TikTok into an unusual classroom where she teaches mathematics to other children.
The young mathematics enthusiast from Offa, Kwara State, has become known for using a whiteboard, marker and smartphone to explain mathematical problems in simple, step-by-step lessons. Her videos cover areas such as algebra, fractions and lowest common multiple, with the young tutor focusing on making difficult questions easier for other learners to understand.
Charlotte is a JSS2 student of Iyeru Okin African Church Secondary School in Offa. Although she is still only nine, her interest in mathematics began several years ago, long before she entered secondary school.
She said her fascination with numbers and puzzles was responsible for her early attraction to the subject.
“I started liking mathematics when I was small because I enjoyed numbers and playing puzzles,” she said in an interview.
For Charlotte, mathematics is not simply another subject on the school curriculum. She sees it as something enjoyable and considers difficult questions an opportunity to challenge herself.
“Mathematics is fun for me. Some questions are hard, but I like trying to solve them,” she said.
Her approach to complicated problems is also straightforward. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by a lengthy equation or question, Charlotte said she first breaks it into smaller portions before working through the solution.
“First, I break it into smaller parts to make it easier for me,” she explained.
According to her, when the first method does not produce the desired result, she looks for another approach and continues working through the problem step by step.
That method has become central to the short lessons she shares online. Instead of simply displaying answers, Charlotte demonstrates the process of arriving at a solution, allowing viewers to follow the reasoning behind each step.
Other reports on her online activities say her lessons include algebra, fractions, cross multiplication and lowest common multiple. Her TikTok account has attracted a sizeable audience, with one report putting her following at about 80,000.
How Charlotte Started Teaching On TikTok
Charlotte’s transition from mathematics student to online tutor was supported by her family, particularly her mother.
The nine-year-old said her mother created the platform that enabled her to 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.
The move has given Charlotte an opportunity to combine her interest in mathematics with digital technology. With a smartphone and basic teaching materials, she has been able to reach learners beyond her immediate school environment.
Her story also reflects the changing way young people are using social media. Platforms traditionally associated with entertainment are increasingly being used by individuals to share educational content, tutorials and practical knowledge.
In Charlotte’s case, TikTok has become a place where she can demonstrate something she genuinely enjoys while encouraging other children to approach mathematics with greater confidence.
Father Explains Charlotte’s Study Habits
Charlotte’s father, Afeez Muritala, described her as a child who takes learning seriously but still enjoys the ordinary activities of childhood.
According to him, Charlotte spends a significant amount of time reading and learning. Beyond her regular schoolwork, she also receives additional lessons from a private tutor, while he sometimes teaches her himself.
“She’s always learning and reading,” he said.
However, he stressed that her dedication to academics does not mean she has been denied the opportunity to behave like a normal nine-year-old.
He noted that she still plays and enjoys herself, adding that she simply becomes particularly serious whenever it is time to read.
The balance is significant because Charlotte’s growing public profile could easily overshadow the fact that she remains a child. Her parents’ involvement therefore extends beyond supporting her educational interest in guiding how she appears and operates online.
Teacher Praises Young Mathematics Talent
Charlotte’s ability has also been noticed in the classroom.
Her mathematics teacher, Kolawole Oluwasegun, described her as an outstanding student with exceptional ability in the subject.
According to him, Charlotte has a genuine interest in solving mathematical problems and does not shy away from challenging questions.
He also called for greater investment in helping young Nigerian students develop their abilities in mathematics.
The teacher said more qualified teachers, scholarships and adequate funding would help students build stronger interest in the subject.
He further advocated mathematics competitions that reward wider participation rather than concentrating recognition only on the top three performers.
Such competitions, he argued, could motivate more students to participate and develop confidence in their mathematical abilities.
Charlotte’s Advice To Children
Despite her growing recognition, Charlotte’s message to other children remains remarkably simple.
She wants students who struggle with mathematics not to become discouraged when they encounter difficult questions.
Her advice is to continue practising, learn from mistakes and refuse to give up.
“My advice to them is to never give up,” she said. “They should keep practising every day and not be afraid of making mistakes.”
That message captures the philosophy behind Charlotte’s own approach to mathematics: difficult problems can become manageable when they are broken into smaller parts and tackled patiently.
Charlotte Muritala’s story is therefore not only about a nine-year-old who can solve mathematics problems. It is also about how curiosity, consistent practice and access to digital platforms can create unexpected opportunities for young learners.
From a family home in Offa, a whiteboard and smartphone have become her teaching tools, while TikTok has provided the classroom.
At an age when many children are still discovering their academic interests, Charlotte is already sharing hers with thousands of other learners.
Her growing online presence could ultimately encourage more children to view mathematics not as a subject to fear, but as a skill that can be developed through practice, patience and persistence.
For Charlotte, the lesson appears to be as simple as the equations she teaches: when a problem looks difficult, break it down, try again and keep going.