Nigerian student Achunike Okafor breaks academic record in U.S.

His remarkable achievements have earned him over 40 full scholarship offers to some of the prestigious universities in the U.S., including Harvard, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, MIT, Cornell, Brown, University of Southern California, University of Michigan, Boston, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Ramapo, Rowan, Drexel, Penn State, Montclair, and Stanford, the school said in a statement.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to attend such esteemed universities and to represent my family and community,” Okafor said. “I do not take lightly the privilege and responsibility to be among the few individuals selected for such an honor.”

The Nigerian teen, who is a recipient of an International Baccalaureate diploma, is also known by his peers and teachers as an exceptional writer and advocate. A member of his school’s Environmental Club, Okafor advocates for change in environmental laws by sending letters to officials voicing concerns about pH levels in water and lake acidification, a statement by the Research and Development Council of New Jersey said.

“There’s absolutely nothing average him,” Science Park principal Darlene Gearhart said. “Achunike is an extraordinary (person). He’s humble, driven, and industrious. He has always been a great kid. He is always eager to learn,” Gearhart added.

His parents agree with the principal. “We place a high premium on education in our home,” Achunike’s father, Godfrey Okafor, who is a high school math teacher, said. “Education, and continuing to learn in life, allows young people to provide for themselves and their families, and build their future.”

Besides being a member of his school’s Environmental Club, Okafor was also co-founder of his school’s Science Club and vice president of its Junior Student Council. He will be attending Harvard University in the fall to pursue a degree in Neuroscience.