Esther Okade
from Walsall has enrolled on Open University course. She spends her spare time
in a similar way to many other ten-year-old girls - playing with Barbie dolls
and making loom bands.
But the key
difference between Esther Okade and other children her age is that she has been
accepted to study for a university maths degree - despite not going to school.
Esther, from
Walsall, West Midlands, has enrolled on an Open University course months after
she passed her A-levels - and wants to study for a PhD before running her own
bank.
The girl, who
gained a C grade in her maths GCSE aged six, has joined the course which
started this month. Her younger brother Isiah is already studying for his
A-levels - also aged six.
The siblings are
both home-schooled by their mother Omonefe, who has converted the living room
of their semi-detached, three-bedroom house into a makeshift classroom.
Mathematician
Mrs Okade, 37, said: ‘Esther is doing so well. She took a test recently and
scored 100 per cent. Applying to the university was an interesting process
because of her age.
‘We even had to
talk to the vice-chancellor. After they interviewed her they realised that this
has been her idea from the beginning. From the age of seven Esther has wanted
to go to university.
But I was afraid
it was too soon. She would say, “Mum, when am I starting?”, and go on and on
and on. Finally, after three years she told me, “Mum, I think it is about time
I started university now”.’
Mrs Okade added
that Esther - who will study for her degree at home - was ‘flying’ and ‘so
happy’ when she was accepted by the university, and wants to be a millionaire.
Esther stunned
her parents last year when she achieved a B grade in her pure maths A-level.
She applied to
the Open University last August - and after a phone interview, an essay and an
exam, she was told in December that she had been accepted onto the course.
Mum, I think it
is about time I started university now
What Esther
Okade told her mother
Her father Paul,
42, a managing director, added: ‘I cannot tell you how happy and proud I am as
a father. The desire of every parent is to see their children exceed them, and
take the family name to great heights, and my children have done just that.’
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