This week, we shine the spotlight on Esther Okade, a remarkable 17-year-old British-Nigerian math prodigy whose extraordinary academic journey has captivated the world. Esther’s talent in mathematics became evident at a very young age, and her story of breaking academic barriers serves as an inspiration for children and adults alike.
Born in 2005, Esther’s fascination with numbers began early. By the time she was just three years old, she was solving complex mathematical problems, including quadratic equations, which would leave many adults in awe. Her mother, Omonefe Okade, herself a mathematician, recognized her daughter’s brilliance and helped nurture her exceptional abilities.
Esther’s educational achievements began making headlines when, at the tender age of six, she passed the UK’s GCSE math exams with flying colors—an exam typically taken by students aged 14 to 16. This feat was just the beginning of her incredible academic journey. At the age of 10, in 2015, she enrolled at the Open University in the UK to study Financial Mathematics, marking the start of her university education, which she had wanted to begin even earlier at the age of seven.
Her early university years were marked by academic excellence. Esther quickly became the top student in her class, earning straight A’s and finding the coursework, which included complex mathematical theories and numbers, to be “super easy.” Her passion for mathematics fueled her desire to excel, and her determination led her to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Mathematics by the time she was just 13 years old.
But Esther didn’t stop there. Three years later, at the age of 16, she achieved another monumental milestone by earning her PhD in Financial Mathematics. This achievement made her one of the youngest individuals in the world to obtain such an advanced degree in a highly specialized field.
Beyond her own academic pursuits, Esther has also taken steps to inspire and uplift others. At the age of 10, she authored a series of math workbooks for children, including the popular Yummy Yummy Algebra. Through her workbooks, she aims to make mathematics more accessible and enjoyable for young learners, encouraging them to engage with the subject from an early age.
Esther’s impact on education extends further, as she and her mother have developed a curriculum for a proposed preschool in Nigeria’s Delta region. The educational institution they founded, Shakespeare’s Academy, is designed to offer a holistic approach to learning. In addition to core subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, and science, the academy will focus on teaching public speaking, entrepreneurship, etiquette, morality, and ethics. Through this initiative, Esther and her family are committed to giving back to society and nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders.
Esther’s story is a powerful testament to the limitless potential of young minds when given the right support and opportunities. Her achievements are not only a celebration of her intellectual prowess but also a call to action for educational systems worldwide to recognize and nurture the unique talents of every child.
As she continues to forge new paths in mathematics and education, Esther Okade remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and a strong support system, the sky is truly the limit.
This week, we honor Esther Okade for her incredible achievements and her commitment to using her gifts to positively impact others. We look forward to seeing the future milestones this brilliant young woman will undoubtedly reach.