Esther Okade from Walsall, UK, made headlines in 2015 — at the age of 10 — for her extraordinary academic achievements.
Not only does she enjoy typical childhood activities like dressing up as Elsa from Frozen and playing with Barbie dolls, but she is also a college student, making her one of the youngest undergraduates in the UK.
Enrolled at the Open University, a UK-based distance learning institution, Esther began her college journey in January 2015.
Her enthusiasm for mathematics has already paid off—she aced an exam with a perfect score of 100%.
“It’s so interesting. It has the type of maths I love,” Esther shared. “It was super easy. My mum taught me in a nice way.”
Esther’s ambition extends beyond her current studies. She plans to complete her course within two years, pursue a PhD in financial mathematics by age 13, and establish her own bank by 15.
“I want to help people through banking because I like numbers and I like people,” she explained.
Her journey began at an early age. Esther sat for her first Math GCSE at just six years old, earning a C grade, and by seven, she had improved to an A grade.
Her prowess continued with a B-grade in her Math A-level exam last year. Her mother, Efe Okade, noticed Esther’s exceptional talent early on during homeschooling, which started at age three due to dissatisfaction with traditional schooling.
The Okade family’s commitment to education is evident not only in Esther’s achievements but also in their philanthropic efforts. Esther is authoring a series of math workbooks titled Yummy Yummy Algebra aimed at making math accessible and enjoyable for children.
Meanwhile, the Okades are working on opening Shakespeare’s Academy in Nigeria’s Delta region, an educational facility designed to provide a diverse and inclusive curriculum.
The academy will cater to 2,000-2,500 students, with up to 30% of spots reserved for local children on scholarships.
Efe Okade explains the school’s vision:
“We want to teach based on individual learning styles rather than one rigid method. The aim is to provide children with a goal and practical skills rather than just certifications.”
Esther’s story is not just about academic brilliance but also about inspiring change and improving educational opportunities for others.
