Andrew Ejemai, from Brentwood School in Essex, will become one of the youngest of this year’s intake of students at Cambridge University after achieving ‘A*’ A-Level passes in Additional Further Maths, ‘A’ grades in the new Linear Chemistry and Economics and achieving Grade 1 in STEP II and III, the Cambridge University maths exam, in one academic year.
Back in 2013, the talented student became the youngest person in his school’s history to pass an A-Level exam when he gained an ‘A*’ in his Maths A-Level at the age of just 12.
Ejemai will now study Maths at Corpus Christi college, a course which attracts more than 1,400 applicants every year.
Speaking to The Voice about the fact that he will be attending one of the world’s prestigious universities two years ahead of his contemporaries, Ejemai said:
“I am mostly grateful to God Almighty for helping me to achieve this great feat.
“I believe that without hard work, perseverance, parental and school support, this would not have been possible. I am indebted to all at Brentwood School for believing in me, and giving me the opportunity to complete my three A-Level subjects in one year.”
THE G-FACTOR:
He recalled:
“After being interviewed, I studied past papers and worked extremely hard to gain the necessary exam results. When I was told that I would be going to Cambridge University, I was very happy.”
The talented student, who has his sights set on a career in finance, added:
”My advice to other youngsters is to work hard, persevere and with talent, you can also receive a place at a good university.”
Ejemai recalls that his potential was uncovered at the approximate age of four, when a teacher asked him to write a simple formula for a sum and he pencilled down a complex equation, instead.
SATISFACTION
Describing his fascination with numbers, the high-flying pupil recalled:
“What I enjoy about maths is the problem-solving aspect of the subject. It always gives me satisfaction.”
Ejemai’s father Sonny hopes his son’s example will encourage other young black pupils to excel academically and apply to attend Britain’s top universities. The 52 year-old is adamant, however, that black youths will only excel if they receive adequate support, primarily from their parents. Speaking to The Voice, Sonny said:
“The best mentor for children should be parents. Me and my wife believe that every child has the potential to be a genius, but parents need to nurture their talent. Andrew’s mother, Ronke, would give him various challenges centred around school subjects and outside activities, and this started at the age of three.
“I saw that encouraging youths can be tough, but parents need to be focused and dedicated to the cause. It’s a marathon. But if they start early and have the G factor – the God-factor – it’s possible to provide a good foundation.
“It’s all about dreaming big and giving children the opportunity to try things.”
He added:
“My key advice is having plenty of parental involvement.”
The Ejemai family’s formula for academic excellence has also benefited their daughter, 13-year old Zipporah. She also demonstrates a flair in mathematics and obtained the highest grade ‘A’ in AS-Level Additional Maths this summer. Last year, at the age of 12, Zipporah achieved the highest grade ‘A*’ in GCSE maths.
Brentwood School’s headmaster, Ian Davies, said of their former pupil:
“Andrew has been an exceptional student. In addition to his mathematical excellence, he has played a full part in the musical and sporting life of the school, as well as enjoying our Combined Cadet Force.
“These extra-curricular opportunities have provided a healthy balance and have enabled Andrew to develop into a well-rounded 16 year-old who will thrive at Cambridge.”
SOURCE: The Voice