when she sat for, and passed the November/December 2013
West African Examination Council (WAEC) papers where she
attempted English and French Language, a feat which is
nothing but remarkable.
In this interview with the Sun Newspapers, Batoku shared her
success story.
I am aware you wrote last GCE exams. What was your
experience during the period?
I studied a lot during the period of the exam. I even had to
study books that were for SS3 students. I also studied the
oldest past questions of the GCE examination that I could lay
my hands on because the older the questions, the harder they
are.
How did you register for GCE considering your tender
age?
I burst into tears when the computer rejected me as being too
young to register for GCE. I had to increase my age by five
years before I could register for the exam.
What was the impression of other candidates at the exam
centre?
No one believed that I was a candidate let alone give me the
opportunity to write the exam; not even the examiners allowed
me into the exam hall until I passed the biometric test. Some
candidates were mocking me, others called me names "over-
ambitious girl, wait for your time".
What was your Exam registration number?
My Exam number was 5250802098
How old were you when you registered for the exam?
I was eight years old when I was preparing for the exam. I
was eight when I wrote the French Oral exam then I clocked 9
before I wrote the English exam.
GCE is a tough examination for a child of your age. Was it
very easy or very hard?
It was actually easy but the difficult part of the English exam
was the summary aspect.
What were your grades in the exams?
I registered for seven papers but only wrote two, English and
French because I readily had teachers in those two subjects,
dad and mum. I made C5 in French Language and C6 in
English Language.
Did your school participate in grooming you for the
examination?
My school was not aware I was writing the exam. But what I
learnt from school also played a part, so in a way, my school
participated.
Even my parents got to know about my registration for the
exam after my brothers helped me complete the process. My
parents who are both Lawyers felt it was a daring joke
considering my age but decided to groom me for the exam.
The had degrees in English and French respectively before
reading Law.
Why did you write only English and French?
I wrote only English and French because by the time I made
up my mind to register for the exams, time was not on my
side. I had teachers in those two subjects only: mum and dad.
Do you speak so much French? How did you make C5 in
French?
I don't speak much French but my dad does. He had first and
second degrees in French before reading Law. I am the former
Miss French of my school. Every year, my school organises a
French day and "Miss French" and "Master French" pageant
is the main event for the day. I am always involved in any
French related activity in my school. I am the current Head
Girl of the school.
Was French easier than English? Why did you perform
better in French than English?
French was not easier than English, but interestingly, I had
more confidence than ability in French and the reverse was
the case in English. I love French. I am an active member of
French Club in my school. Daddy always told me Paris is a
beautiful city. I heard of the famous French proverb "See
Paris and die" and I wish to see it one day.
Did you receive special lessons in preparation for the
exam?
Yes I did, in a way my dad who is a bilingual lawyer and a
former French teacher was my French teacher and my mum
who is a Chief Magistrate was my English teacher.
How did you feel when you passed the examination?
I felt very happy when I passed the exam but I was a bit
disappointed by the result because I expected B2 or B3 in
English Language.
Do you have a social life?
Yes I have a social life. I love dancing. I win best dancer's
competition at most birthday parties and social functions.
How do you relax?
I play games on my dad's ipad. I relax by watching television
or swimming. I also enjoy reading storybooks and science
encyclopeadia.
What do you want to become in future?
My dream is to be a medical doctor in the future, if possible
be the youngest medical doctor in the history of Nigeria.
What message do you have for children of your age?
I advise children of my age to cultivate the reading culture
and be ready to learn and show seriousness in their studies
because having the right attitude is better than hard work and
knowledge. When there is a will, there is a way.
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