Obama Recognises & Commends 19-Year-Old Nigerian Harvard Finalist
Nigerian genius, Saheela Ibraheem, 19, made history On Thursday, February, 26, when she was honoured with an official reception in the White House by the US President, Barack Obama and the First Lady, Michelle.
Saheela Ibraheem got into the Ivy League Harvard at the age of 15, where she is currently studying neurobiology — a branch of science that studies the brain — and has been listed among the “World’s 50 Smartest Teenagers.” She was also accepted for admission by 13 other top colleges in the United States, including the MIT, Princeton, Columbia, and six Ivy League institutions, choosing Harvard, she became one of the youngest students to ever attend the university. She will be graduating in May this year.
Speaking after an introductory speech by Ibraheem at the White House, President Obama stated that “there are a lot of teenagers in the world. Saheela is like one of the 50 smartest ones. That’s pretty smart. And she’s a wonderful young lady. She’s like the State Department and the National Institute of Health all rolled into one. And we are so proud of your accomplishments and all that lies ahead of you. And you reflect our history. Young people like you inspire our future.”
Ibraheem, who skipped two grades in school, said the key to success is figuring out what you love to learn as early as possible, which she did at the young age of five.
“If you are passionate about what you do, and I am passionate about most of these things, especially with math and science, it will work out well,” she told CBS 2s Cindy Hsu. In addition, Ibraheem speaks four languages that include Arabic, Spanish and Latin.
Her mother, Shakirat Ibraheem, said her daughter has been way ahead of the academic game since kindergarten — never cutting corners and trying to do everything on her own. “She’s like always independent,” she said. “I never get to help with her homework because she’d say ‘it’s my work mommy, not yours.’”
Ibraheem’s recognition and reception was part of the “Black History Month” celebration in the US, which comes up in February. The “Black History Month”, takes root from the activities of the “Association for the Study of African American Life and History.” Every year, Americans set aside the month of February to celebrate the central role that African-Americans have played in every aspect of American life especially the march for freedom and equality, jobs and justice, the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and some profound contributions African-Americans make in the American culture.
Present at the evening event were members of the US Congress, including Leader Nancy Pelosi, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Source: Leadership
Wow I am so effing impressed. She’s done well to make herself, parents and Nigeria proud. Way to go girl
Thumps up girl, you’ve really made your parents and Nigeria as a whole proud
splendid.
Tank u for mkin Nigeria proud n ur parents too
Go girl.Was happy when I saw this yesterday.It’s not only bad things that we should be known for
Saw this somewhere yesterdy, thanks girl for making ur parent and Nigeria proud*hugss*
This is the type of news i love reading, not old fools molesting minors. This is so worthy of emulation.
This is the type of news that should be making grounds. Congrats girl.
Woow our dear country is so proud of u girl
That’s good
Nijia representing
Keep representing xoxo
Her parents will be so proud of her. Its a good thing.
Nice one
Nice one
You go girl.keep it up..kisses
May my daughter be better than u IJN. Amen.
Dis is very gud n tank God it’s nt one of those unbelivable crime stories. We r all proud of u. Congrats
Nice one
Well done. You have made us period.
I pray for this for my children
Congratulations ,Nigerians are proud of u
Wonderful
Atleast let Nigeria be noted for good
she made us nigerians and her parents proud kudos girl
Wow I’m proud if her
Wonderful. Keep it up
Wow wow wow there’s still hop for Nigeria kip it up girl
Wow..Congrats darl. U are a genius indeed. Tanks for making ur parents n Nig proud.
U go girl.this is what i like to hear