Gifted Student Solicits Govts, Multinationals’ Assistance

Obioma Ogbonnaya

He is an academically bright student. He was born during the tenure of US President, Bill Clinton and the parents who are admirers of the former US president, named him Clinton Chimemezue Ezeani. He is left handed like Bill Clinton among several similarities.

The 16-year-old is gifted; he recently graduated from the Faith Academy School, Cannanland, Ota, Ogun State with chains of laurels, including the best graduating student with nine ‘A1s in all nine subjects he registered for in the 2017 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, he scored 297; 105 in TOEFL and 1380 in SAT examination as three American universities scrambled to offer him admission. He decided to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago to study computer engineering specialising in artificial intelligence with a partial scholarship of $30,000, which only covers his tuition. His parents now have the challenge of looking for additional funds to cater for his feeding, transport, accommodation and other personal needs.

Clinton’s father, Pastor Best Ezeani is therefore appealing to organisations, government, institutions and rich individuals to come to his rescue to enable this talented and gifted young Nigerian fulfill his dream of pursuing his education in the US.

Recently, the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) honoured Clinton as a member of the organisation, which recognises top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. The founder and Chairman, Claes Nobel made the announcement.

“We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support the growth and development. We aim to help students like Chimemezue build on their academic success by connecting them with unique learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers,” he said.

Clinton’s father, who spoke with THISDAY in Lagos, recently described his son as an all-round individual who is good in academics and sports. Clinton, whose football idol is Lionel Messi not only plays the game well but analysis the sports well, he is also good in the games of scramble and monopoly and has won accolades and prizes in these sports.

“Clinton is a very focused and disciplined individual who does not like other curricular activities to interfere in his academics,” he said, explaining that as a result of his dedication and diligence in academics he has always been called professor at home.

“At the age of four, Clinton read newspapers excellently and even helped his elder sibling solve some mathematics. He grew up to design his formula for reading/studying called Prayer, Determination and Focus (PDF).”

Clinton said the formula has helped him to remain focused and that he will not abandon it even as he proceeds to the university. He reiterated his father’s plea for assistance to support his academic quest in the US university.