Two Nigerian pupils, Sochima David Chukwudi and Zilayefa Okoroze-Trust, have achieved an incredible feat by emerging as the best and second-best students in the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT).
Chukwudi, a student of the Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), broke the record in the Scholastic Aptitude Test, also known as the SAT, where he scored 1590 out of the maximum score of 1600 points. Zilayefa, a Grade 12 student at Jesuit Memorial College (JMC), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, scored 99 per cent in the examination. He scored 1,530 out of a maximum score of 1,600 on the test, held on October 7, 2023, emerging as the second-best Nigerian student.
The SAT examination is a standardised test that assesses academic preparedness. It tests applicants’ knowledge of reading, writing, and mathematics subjects taught daily in high school classrooms. It is taken by high school juniors and seniors applying to colleges and universities. This exam can be taken internationally six times during the year.
Before Zilayefa’s feat, the highest score ever recorded in previous years by any student in Nigeria was 1,510/1,600.
Speaking after the win, Chukwudi, a scholarship student from the Annual National Mathematics Competition (ANMC), an annual national mathematics competition organised by NTIC, said: “There are many preparatory options and materials, but I believe that apart from the great support from my teachers, self-study is the best way to go.
“There were two major factors that played out in this outstanding score. Firstly, it was the grace of God that saw me through, and secondly, it was intensive reading, determination, and hard work. It took me months of reading, studying, preparing, and practising for this exam. I also used many of the website’s materials to practise and understand what the SAT is all about. I can also say that I had a lot of sleepless nights, and I am grateful to God that those nights paid off.
“The most important thing in passing this exam (the SAT) is focus. I believe that anyone writing the SAT should keep in mind that this outstanding score does not come so easily because it will require your time, focus, determination, setting of goals, resilience, energy, patience, practice, and prayers. Preparing for the exam is tiring and stressful, especially the sleepless nights, but never give up on yourself and do lots of reading rather than engaging in irrelevant things.
“I am extremely grateful to my NTIC teachers for putting the pieces of me together, especially in my academics. In short, NTIC is wow. They are and will remain the best. I appreciate their effort because my story couldn’t be complete without them.
Fevzullah Bilgin, managing director of NTIC, said: “It is with immense pride and joy that I announce a monumental achievement within our institution. David Sachomi, a student from NTIC, under our dedicated guidance and nurturing, has achieved an extraordinary SAT score of 1590 out of 1600, marking an outstanding milestone for our school and solidifying its reputation for academic excellence.
“This remarkable feat not only distinguishes our school within Nigeria but also positions it on the global academic stage. A score of 1590 on the SAT is not only one of the best in the country but is a testament to the quality of education we provide and the exceptional talents we are privileged to cultivate.
“David’s achievement is the result of his unwavering dedication, hard work, and the unshakable determination he has demonstrated throughout his academic journey. It is also a testament to the expertise, guidance, and tireless support of our exceptional educators, who have played an integral role in his success. Our teachers are at the heart of our school’s mission, and their contributions are invaluable in shaping bright minds like David.”
