By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
Aneesa Aminu, an 11-year-old pupil of Himma International College, Minna recently became an internet sensation for her remarkable exit from primary school. In this exclusive interview with ASHENEWS, Aneesa takes us through her journey toward success and her aspirations for the future. Excerpts:
You have become an internet sensation after it was reported that you received 12 awards. Can you tell us about this?
On the 5th of August, 2023, during my graduation from Class Six, I received the award for best in Mathematics, English, Pre-vocational studies, loyalty, best in Geography, pupil of the year, best in History, best in Science and Technology, Spelling award, best in Social and Value Education, Excellent Behavior Award, and best in Islamic Religious Studies.
Those are 12 awards in total.
Did you see this coming?
I was not expecting to receive this much but I was sure that I will be awarded the Best in Mathematics.
You seem to love Mathematics. Why is that?
Yes. I love Mathematics because I understand it. The teacher makes it easy to understand.
What are those things that helped you succeed?
My friends have helped me succeed. They are not the kind of friends that take me in the bad direction. We sit and do educational things together. We just sit and start reading and helping each other to understand. When it’s time for exams, we ask each other questions to make sure we understand.
Who are your role models?
My sister is my role model. I want to do well in school just like my sister is doing.
How did you feel when you were repeatedly called out to receive awards?
I felt very happy when I was invited to receive awards. I was proud of myself and I am sure my parents were equally proud.
Everyone was cheering for me and that made me very happy.
Did you receive any other recognition from the school management?
My school gave me a scholarship to continue my secondary school education.
What are your hobbies?
I love reading and dancing in my spare time.
What do you think you are doing differently that has made you succeed?
I follow methods. My sister calls them the three C’s. She taught me that I need to be committed, consistent, and have control. To be committed, I need to have the ability to say I want to start something. For consistency, I need to have the mind to continue that thing I started. Lastly, I need discipline to go on with what I have planned.
Who are those people who have made the biggest impact in your life?
My teachers, parents, and siblings.
What is your future ambition?
I want to become a teacher and a medical doctor at the same time.
How do you plan to achieve the two at the same time, and what is the motivation behind this?
The first time I told my parents, they said I should stick with one. But I still want to do both. I told them that I need to avoid all sorts of distractions. I must focus on my books, be committed, consistent, and have control. The reason why I want to become a doctor is to save the lives of people. I want to know how it feels to treat people. For the teaching part, I have a passion to impact knowledge on others. When I was in class four, I started tutoring four of my friends after school. We still do that on Thursdays, Fridays, and the weekend.
What is your advice to fellow young people on the importance of hard work?
Hard work pays. It’s exactly the opposite of laziness. If you work hard, you will see the reward for it one day. But if you are lazy, you will limit yourself. If you are hardworking, you will always want to do more than what you have done.
A lot of people must be looking out to see you do greater things. What do you have to say to them?
I will be among the great people in the future and they will never regret why they cheered me. I appreciate them all. I am grateful for the support during my graduation. They cheered me on and I was very happy about that.
