Osun Girl Shines Bright in Anambra, Emerges Best Igbo Student and Overall Top Performer

In a heartwarming display of excellence that transcends ethnic and regional boundaries, Miss Saka Aliyat, an indigene of Osun State in southwestern Nigeria, has made history by emerging as the overall best graduating student at Choice De Immaculate Demonstration School (CIDS), Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. What makes her feat even more remarkable is that she clinched the top position not only across science and commercial subjects but also in Igbo Language—a subject many would not expect a non-Igbo student to master so flawlessly.

At a time when national unity and understanding among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups are constantly being tested, Aliyat’s academic triumph stands as a shining testament to the power of education in breaking barriers, bridging divides, and celebrating excellence without borders. The young scholar’s story is fast becoming an inspiration to many, with parents, teachers, and students across the country applauding her brilliance and dedication.

According to reports from the school’s graduation and prize-giving ceremony, Miss Aliyat dominated nearly every category of academic recognition. She received awards in English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economics, and Marketing — showcasing not just versatility but an exceptional mastery of both the sciences and arts. However, the most talked-about moment of the day came when her name was announced as the best student in Igbo Language, a subject often seen as a cultural preserve for natives of the Southeast.

As the hall erupted in applause, teachers and guests couldn’t hide their amazement. Many described the moment as “symbolic” — a reminder that knowledge has no ethnicity and that language, though deeply cultural, can be embraced by anyone willing to learn. Her performance has been described as a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s pursuit of unity through education.

Speaking at the event, one of the teachers at CIDS, Mrs. Chinyere Nwokoye, expressed her pride and admiration for Aliyat’s diligence, describing her as “a model student whose curiosity and humility set her apart.” According to her, Aliyat’s interest in the Igbo language was not driven by competition but by genuine love for understanding the culture and people around her. “Aliyat never shied away from speaking Igbo in class. In fact, she often surprised us with how fluently she could communicate. She wanted to learn not because she had to, but because she wanted to connect. That passion reflected in her results,” Mrs. Nwokoye said.

For the young girl from Osun State, the journey was not without challenges. Growing up in a predominantly Igbo-speaking environment, adapting to the culture and language initially came with some difficulty. Yet, through persistence and an open mind, she not only mastered the local dialect but also turned it into a tool for success. Her teachers noted that she often stayed behind after classes, asking questions, revising notes, and engaging her peers in both academic and cultural discussions.

During her brief speech after receiving the top honors, an emotional Aliyat thanked her teachers and classmates for their support, while also expressing gratitude to her parents for giving her the opportunity to study outside her home state. “I feel very happy and grateful to God for this recognition,” she said. “When I came here, I didn’t imagine that I would one day be speaking Igbo fluently, let alone winning an award in it. But my teachers and friends encouraged me, and I learned to see Igbo not just as a subject, but as a part of who I am while living here. Education has taught me that we are all one, no matter where we come from.”

Her statement drew a standing ovation from the crowd, many of whom were visibly moved by her humility and wisdom beyond her years. Some parents in attendance noted that her story should be shared widely to encourage Nigerian children to embrace and respect one another’s languages and cultures, especially at a time when division and stereotypes continue to dominate national conversations.

The principal of CIDS, Rev. Sr. Benedicta Onyekwere, described Aliyat as a blessing to the school and a proof that academic excellence thrives where there is equal opportunity and inclusiveness. She emphasized that the school’s environment encourages students from all backgrounds to excel, adding that Aliyat’s success was the result of both hard work and a community that values diversity. “Aliyat’s achievement is not just her victory; it is a celebration of what can happen when we give every child a fair chance to learn and grow without bias,” the principal said.

Her parents, who traveled from Osun to witness the graduation, were overcome with pride. Her father reportedly expressed deep gratitude to the school for nurturing his daughter’s talent, while her mother shed tears of joy as she watched her child receive one award after another. “We raised her to believe that excellence has no tribe or religion. Seeing her win in Igbo language is beyond our imagination. It shows that love, respect, and hard work can open any door,” her father said in excitement.

Beyond the awards, Aliyat’s success story has sparked conversations across social media, where users have hailed her as a symbol of unity and a reflection of what Nigeria’s youth can achieve in an environment free of prejudice. Many users have also pointed out the irony that in a time when tribal sentiments often fuel division, a Yoruba girl from Osun could emerge as the best Igbo language student in the heart of Anambra State.

Her accomplishment is now being seen as a lesson in cross-cultural appreciation. It demonstrates how learning the language and traditions of others can foster harmony, reduce stereotypes, and build bridges among Nigeria’s many ethnic groups. As one commentator noted online, “If more Nigerian children could learn each other’s languages and cultures like Aliyat did, the country would be far more united than it is today.”

Education experts have also weighed in on the significance of the story, noting that schools across Nigeria should adopt more inclusive curriculums that encourage linguistic and cultural diversity. They argued that such exposure helps students not only appreciate their differences but also grow into globally minded citizens who can communicate and collaborate across boundaries.

For Miss Saka Aliyat, the next chapter of her journey is just beginning. With dreams of studying medicine or biochemistry in the university, she says she hopes to keep learning and using her voice to encourage others, especially young girls, to believe in themselves and work hard no matter where they find themselves. “If I can do it, anyone can,” she said with a smile that lit up the hall.

Her story now stands as more than just a school success—it’s a reminder that in a nation as diverse as Nigeria, unity can be learned, spoken, and lived. And sometimes, all it takes is a young girl from Osun who falls in love with Igbo to show the entire country what true understanding looks like.