In the realm of exceptional young minds, Fatima Adamu Maikusa, a 15-year-old mathematics genius from Gombe State, Nigeria, has carved a remarkable niche for herself by clinching an impressive seven medals in various international mathematics competitions. This young prodigy, currently an SS3 student at Nigerian Tulip International School (NTIC) in Kano, is gaining widespread recognition for her unparalleled achievements and unwavering passion for mathematics.
Early Beginnings and International Recognition:
Fatima’s journey into the world of mathematics commenced at the tender age of nine. Her innate talent and love for the subject quickly propelled her to international acclaim. Among her notable victories are the American Mathematics Competition (AMC 08), the International Eduversal Mathematics Competition in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the International Math Challenge in Bangkok, Thailand.
Her prowess extended to the Kangourou Sans Frontiers – KSF Mathematics Competitions, Future Intelligence Students Olympiad (FISO), Mathematics Without Borders in Bulgaria, and the Komodo Math Festival in Indonesia. These triumphs have not only brought pride to her school but have also made her a symbol of inspiration for many aspiring young mathematicians.
A Passionate Pursuit of Mathematics:
Unlike many students who find mathematics challenging, Fatima expresses a deep-seated love for the subject. She believes that the difficulty often associated with mathematics arises from a lack of exposure to its enjoyable and fascinating aspects. For Fatima, mathematics is not just a subject but a source of joy and intellectual fulfillment.
Fatima’s journey is marked by her commitment to self-improvement. Astonishingly, she attests that she has not enlisted the help of extra tutors beyond her regular school assignments. Her mathematical gift, she asserts, is an inborn talent that she has cultivated through self-driven practice since her primary school days.
International Recognition and Aspirations:
Participating in international competitions proved challenging but rewarding for Fatima. Despite facing difficulties in some contests, her determination prevailed, and she found herself standing on the victory podium. The announcement of her wins brought overwhelming joy and a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing her dream of studying at Harvard University.
Fatima’s ambitions extend beyond mathematical excellence. She aspires to become a computer programmer, aiming to contribute to solving global issues such as the depletion of the ozone layer and climate change. Her motivation stems from a desire to make groundbreaking inventions and alleviate human problems through technological innovation.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude:
In reflecting on her journey, Fatima expresses gratitude to her parents, teachers, and school for their instrumental role in her success. She acknowledges the impact of Olympiad camps during her junior and senior classes, as well as her participation in mathematics camps, which played a crucial role in honing her skills.
As she navigates the admission process at Harvard University, Fatima’s father stands as a pillar of support, dedicated to seeing his daughter’s dreams come to fruition. The story of Fatima Adamu Maikusa serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that age is no barrier to exceptional achievements and that a passion for learning can propel individuals to extraordinary heights.
In a heartening tale of perseverance and determination, Dayo Duyile, an 82-year-old Nigerian journalism veteran, recently accomplished a lifelong dream by earning a Ph.D. in Journalism at the University of Lagos. This remarkable achievement comes four decades after his initial graduation from university and marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Dayo Duyile, a seasoned journalist, played a pivotal role in the early history of the University of Lagos. He was one of the reporters who covered the university’s official inauguration in 1963. However, it was only in his 80s that he realized his dream of pursuing a Ph.D. in Journalism. Reflecting on this journey, Dayo shared that his aspiration for a Ph.D. had been a 40-year-old dream, and despite multiple opportunities arising between 1990 and his retirement, various circumstances prevented him from pursuing it earlier.
In 1990, Michigan State University offered him admission for a Ph.D. with a teaching assistantship and scholarship. However, due to his role as the Director of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism at the time, he was unable to accept the offer. Similar opportunities at the University of London and a Canadian University were also hindered by professional commitments. It was only upon retirement and returning to Ondo State that Dayo found the opportunity to fulfill his long-cherished dream.
Dayo faced numerous challenges during his Ph.D. journey, primarily related to travel and access to historical materials. Traveling twice a week from Ondo to Lagos, a three-hour journey, proved to be physically demanding. Yet, with unwavering support from his family and a resilient spirit, he overcame these obstacles. Click here to continue reading about Dr. Dayo.
