Nicolle Charuma is a young woman who has achieved a remarkable feat in the field of computer science and mathematics. She recently graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, with majors in Computational, Applied, and Pure Mathematics. She also received three certificates of first class in Algebra, Linear Algebra, and Database Fundamentals.
Nicolle was born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa. She developed a passion for computer science and mathematics from an early age. She was one of the few girls who took IT as a subject in high school, and also participated in the Applied Math and Math Olympiad team. She represented South Africa at the People to People World Leadership Forum in the United States of America when she was only six years old, where she honed her leadership skills.
Nicolle said that studying and working in a male-dominated sector inspired her to pave the way for other strong women who are interested in technology and mathematics. She said:
“It highlights my potential as a woman to break down barriers and push beyond gender stereotypes. My goal is to pave the way for all young women who will follow after me so that they are provided equal opportunities to hone their skills in the tech and mathematics industries.”
Nicolle is not only a brilliant student, but also a hard-working and persevering one. She faced many challenges during her academic journey, such as financial difficulties, personal issues, and academic pressure. She said that she overcame these obstacles by relying on her faith, family, friends, and mentors. She also offered some advice to young girls who are striving to achieve their dreams:
“Perseverance is the name of the game. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because of your gender, race, or background. You have the power to create your own destiny. Believe in yourself and work hard. Seek help when you need it and don’t be afraid to fail. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.”
Nicolle’s achievements are not only impressive, but also significant. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, only 28% of researchers worldwide are women, and only 2% of students graduating with a degree in information and communication technologies (ICT) are women. In Africa, the situation is even worse, with only 0.3% of female students graduating with an ICT degree.
Nicolle’s success story is therefore an inspiration for many young women who aspire to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. She is also a role model for young Africans who want to excel in their studies and contribute to the development of their continent.
Nicolle plans to continue her studies at Wits and pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science. She also hopes to work as a software engineer or data scientist in the future. She said that she wants to use her skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on society.
Nicolle Charuma is a young Zimbabwean woman who has bagged a degree in Computer Science with first-class honors in mathematics. She is a shining example of what women can achieve in STEM fields if they have the passion, determination, and support they need.
Olamide Oluwatade is another young lady who has defied the odds and achieved academic excellence in mathematics. She graduated as the only female first-class student and the best graduating student in the department of mathematics at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) in Nigeria, with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.65 out of 5.0.
Olamide’s journey to success was not smooth. She had wanted to be a medical doctor since she was a child, but she was rejected four times by UNILORIN, her preferred institution. She also lost her father a week before her university entrance examination, which added to her emotional and financial challenges.
However, Olamide did not give up on her dreams. She decided to study mathematics, a subject she was good at, and worked hard to excel in it. She also worked part-time jobs within and outside the campus to support herself and her mother. She said:
“I decided to study Mathematics because I was good at it. …A couple of months down the line, I gained admission which was an absolute pinch me moment because I was rejected for 4 years, it felt like a dream, but it wasn’t all that dreamy because I knew the fees would take a toll on my mum.”
Olamide also balanced her academics with extracurricular activities. She served as the Student Representative Council for two years, was part of the female football team of the department, volunteered in taking tutorials for students, and was selected as the financial secretary for the final year department committee. Click here to continue reading about Olamide Oluwatade.
