A wave of national admiration has followed 16-year-old Sodiq Shoyode, whose exceptional score of 360 in the just-concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has earned him not only accolades but a life-changing scholarship.
In recognition of the teenager’s academic excellence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Personal Assistant on Special Duties, Mr. Kamorudeen Yusuf, has stepped in to support the young prodigy’s future. According to a statement released on Monday, Mr. Yusuf has pledged to fully sponsor Sodiq’s higher education and also equip him with digital skills for the modern world.
Sodiq, who hails from Ado-Odo Local Government Area in Ogun State, quickly became a viral sensation after his UTME result surfaced online, drawing widespread praise for achieving such an impressive feat despite coming from a modest background.
Deeply moved by the boy’s brilliance and tenacity, Yusuf personally reached out to the Shoyode family to commend the young scholar and offer his support.
“As part of his commitment, the presidential aide will provide Sodiq with a laptop and enroll him in a top-tier digital training academy in Lagos, alongside full sponsorship of his university education,” the statement noted.
Speaking with quiet pride, Sodiq recounted how his goal had always been to exceed expectations in the UTME. His dream of scoring above 360 didn’t come by chance—it was a vision he had nurtured since his early days in Senior Secondary School.
“I made up my mind in SS1 that I would score 360 or more in JAMB. I worked hard, stayed focused, and I’m thankful I could make it happen,” he said, radiating joy and confidence.
Sodiq’s achievement stands as a beacon of inspiration for countless students across Nigeria, proving that discipline, ambition, and perseverance can break through even the toughest barriers. His story also highlights the transformative power of community support and the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent—regardless of socioeconomic background.
With Mr. Yusuf’s backing and a nation cheering him on, Sodiq’s journey is only just beginning, and many are already watching with anticipation to see the heights he will reach.
