Esther Okade: 16-Year Old PhD Holder in Financial Mathematics, University of Cambridge.

 

Meet the inspiring British-Nigerian who enrolled in college at the age of ten.

The news of Esther Okade's brilliance is not at all exaggerated as her achievements have been regarded as uncommon and commendable.

Living in Walsall, in the west midlands with her family, young Okade developed great passion for mathematics from the age of three. Her mother, Omonefe Okade who is a mathematician noticed her aptitude for figures when she began homeschooling her at the young age.

At the age of six, Esther wrote her first maths GCSE exams in Wolver Hampton's Ounsdale High School. She was the youngest, participating in an exam which is usually undertaken by students of the age range 14 to 16 years and passed with a C. A year later, it was noted that she excelled with an A- grade. 

In 2014, the maths genius was known to be enrolled in college at the age of 10. Open University, a UK - based distance learning college could not have been ready for what Okade possessed as she started out getting straight A's. She was at the top of her class three weeks after enrollment, receiving a perfect score on her first test.

“The course is so interesting. It has the type of maths I love. It’s real maths — theories, complex numbers, all that type of stuff. It was super easy. My mum taught me in a nice way.” she said

Afterwards, Esther was invited to study Mathematics in the United Kingdom by the University of Cambridge. Driven by passion for mathematics, it was Esther's dream to go to university. She exceeded all expectations when she attained a Bachelor's degree in Financial mathematics and 3 years later obtained a PhD in the same field and university.

Esther has begun writing a book series of maths workbooks for kids called Yummy Yummy Algebra. She said, “It starts at a beginner level — that’s volume one. But then there will be volume two, and volume three, and then volume four. But I’ve only written the first one. As long as you can add or subtract, you’ll be able to do it. I want to show other children they are special.”

Her dreams didn't end there as she told CNN of her plan to have her own bank:

“I want to (finish the course) in two years. Then I’m going to do my PhD in financial maths when I’m 13. I want to have my own bank by the time I’m 15 because I like numbers and I like people and banking is a great way to help people.”

The exceptional accomplishments of Esther has inspired greatness in the hearts of young people all over the world.