It was a happy week for many Nigerian students who excelled in their high school exams which will prepare them for university entrance.
Top on the list was a 12-year old Nigerian who achievied the top grade in maths in his A-level results.
Andrew Ejemai, from Brentwood School, got a phenomenal A* grade for his paper, making him the youngest student in the school’s history to pass the qualification.
The youngster, in his second year at the school, said he had a natural aptitude for maths but he “still had to do a bit of work!”
He had been hoping for the A* but had not been sure he would get it. He added: “I enjoy maths. It’s fun to do maths problems.”
Headmaster Ian Davies added: “Andrew is an extraordinary mathematician and we are very proud of his achievement.
“The school is fortunate to have a cohort of exceptional mathematics teachers who are more than able to teach to Oxbridge level.”
Ejamai is also excelling in sciences, Latin, Greek and athletics and now hopes to study further maths at A-level.
Andrew’s delighted mother Ronke Ejemai shouted: “Wow” when her son revealed his marks. “I am just so excited. He has done so well with the school and Mr Williams has really encouraged him.”
She added: “The encouragement, all the facilities, this environment has been very supportive.”
Another student who took on a job as a labourer to supplement his studies was among the many students across the country celebrating their A-level results.
Anekwe Ekenchuku, 18, from Leyton, east London, gained B grades in maths, biology and physics and C in chemistry at Newham College, setting him well on his path to study engineering at university.
“I’m amazed about my physics result. It’s such a hard subject. As a student you have to help yourself but my physics teacher, Bryn Munroe, is really good. I think my results will mean that I can go to university.”
Speaking about his job working as a general labourer job in Canary Wharf, he added: “It’s good to have that experience but I also learned a lot about health and safety that will help me when I do engineering.”
Fellow Newham College pupil Ronnie Ile was also left overjoyed at gaining a place at Greenwich University after gaining an A* grade in business studies, a C in law and an A in her AS sociology.
She said: “I got a text this morning saying that I have got through to university so I thought I had 2 Bs and a C. But I can’t believe my results. They’ve made me feel great. And I’m the only one in my family who has gone to university.
“Our teachers helped us by putting on a few extra lessons in business and law.
“When I came to Newham I was happy to do any subject but I developed a passion for business.”
A stone’s throw away at the Hackney Community College Sixth Form, 19 year-old Nicole Claire Gentles achieved straight As in her AS levels in biology, chemistry, maths and further maths as she strives to study medicine.
Gentles said she was particularly enjoyed spending time with the other students and her tutors this year and is looking forward to her final year.
Planning to work for a year before studying chemistry at university, Paul Titus achieved a very impressive 3 As and a B in chemistry, biology and english alongside his extended project.