“I hope to attend university in US” says 16-year-old who scored nine As in WASSCE

Chiemela Madu, who recently made A1 in all nine subjects she took in this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination, speaks to VICTORIA ADENEKAN about the feat and her future plans

How old are you?

I am 16 years old.

What state are you from?

I’m from Imo State but I live in Lagos State.

Which secondary school did you attend?

I attended the Federal Government College, Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

Tell us about your family?

I am from a family of six – my dad, mom and four children. My parents have three girls and a boy. I am the second born. My mom is an accountant; my dad is a businessman, my elder sister is 18 years old and she is in the University Of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enuggu State; my immediate younger sister, the third born, is in SS2 in a commercial class and the last born, the only male, is in JSS1.

You recently trended online for making A1 in all nine subjects you took in the last West African Senior School Certificate Examination. Were you surprised when you saw your results or was it something you expected?

I was flabbergasted; I kept praying and hoping that it wasn’t a dream (laughs).

What exactly did you do to achieve such excellent results? Did you read for hours or late into the night?

I will it simply say it was God; it was not by my power. I will just say it was a combination of hard work, determination and prayer.

How does this achievement make you feel?

I feel elated that all my efforts weren’t in vain.

What motivates you?

I have this inner passion right from JSS1; I have had deep feelings for people since I was very young and I have always dreamt of treating people who have different ailments. My teachers were all there for me, most especially my Physics teacher, Mummy Desola. She also motivated me. My Physics teacher never gave up on me; she would make sure I understood whatever she taught us. My mum also motivated me; she is my role model. She gave me courage. Whenever I told her that I had some difficulties with Physics, she would encourage me not to give up.

Is Physics your favourite subject?

My favourite subject is Chemistry. I love it because it is easy to read and understand and also because of the subject teacher, Mr Francis Atilola.

What was your family’s reaction when they saw your results?

My parents and siblings were all happy; in fact, my younger brother was so excited that he vowed he would take after me and make sure he gets my kind of results. In other words, my result challenged and motivated my siblings, friends and well-wishers. I got so many calls from people congratulating me and my family on the results.

Were you best student in your school?

Yes, I was the overall best student in my set and my school. I represented my school in many competitions. I was once selected as one of the best science students in the South-West.

Did you get any kind of gift for your excellent performance in WASSCE?

Yes, different people called me to reward me. Recently, my school alumni, Federal Government College Ogbomosho Old School Students’ Association called my mum and told her they had awarded me a scholarship for my university education in any university of choice in the country.

My school also called my mum and told her they wanted to host me at a dinner. My mom and I are going there for the dinner on December 4.

Which university are you aspiring to go?

I am aspiring to go to a university abroad. I aspire to go to a university in the United States of America or Canada.

What course do you aspire to study there?

I would like to study Medicine and Surgery.

 What are your hobbies?

I love reading novels and watching movies.

CREDIT: PUNCH