President Bola Tinubu’s Personal Assistant on Special Duties, Mr. Kamorudeen Yusuf, has offered a scholarship to a 16-year-old candidate, Sodiq Shoyode, who scored 360 in the just-concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Sodiq, a native of Ado-Odo Local Government Area in Ogun State, became a viral sensation after his UTME result surfaced online, earning him praise from across the country for his academic brilliance despite his humble background.
According to a statement on Monday, moved by the teenager’s outstanding performance and determination, Yusuf reached out to the Shoyode family and pledged to support Sodiq’s educational journey.
“As part of his commitment, the presidential aide will provide a laptop for Sodiq’s training at a top digital academy in Lagos, in addition to sponsoring his university education,” the statement said.
Speaking on his brilliant performance, Sodiq shared how he had set the goal of scoring above 360 in the UTME since he was in Senior Secondary School 1 and worked diligently towards it.
“I have always had the goal of scoring 360 and above in JAMB since I was in SS1 and I’m glad I was able to achieve my goal,” he said, beaming with pride.
He attributed his success to consistent study habits and rigorous self-assessment through practice tests.
“I did a lot of practice tests and recorded my progress weekly to know the areas I needed to improve on,” Sodiq explained.
Despite his dream of studying Mechanical Engineering, Sodiq also has his eyes set on becoming proficient in Back End Software Development.
He expressed excitement over the opportunity to acquire digital skills before beginning his university education.
Overwhelmed with joy, the young scholar expressed deep gratitude to his parents and benefactor for their unwavering support.
“I appreciate my parents for their support and encouragement, most especially Mr. Kamorudeen Yusuf, the Personal Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has promised to lighten the financial burden on my parents. I’m eternally grateful, sir,” he said.
The Punch
