Newark, New Jersey, USA – Achunike Okafor, an 18-year-old Nigerian student, has etched his name in the annals of academic excellence by achieving a remarkable 4.625-grade point average at Science Park High School. This outstanding accomplishment not only marks him as the top graduating student in his school but also sets a new benchmark within the entire Newark school district.
Okafor’s exceptional performance has garnered him an impressive array of over 40 scholarship offers from some of the most prestigious universities in the United States. This includes offers from Ivy League institutions such as Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, and Princeton, as well as other top-tier universities like Stanford, MIT, and the University of Southern California.
Beyond his stellar GPA, Achunike also received an International Baccalaureate diploma. He is recognized by his teachers and peers as an exceptional writer and advocate. His involvement in extracurricular activities further highlights his well-rounded character, as he co-founded his school’s Science Club, served as vice-president of the Junior Student Council and the Stand & Deliver Club, and held leadership positions in the Future Educators Club, the Black Student Union, the robotics team, and the Environmental Club.
Science Park High School Principal Darlene Gearhart lauded Okafor as an “extraordinary and goal-driven person,” emphasizing his humility, industriousness, and constant eagerness to learn.
Expressing his gratitude, Okafor stated, “I am grateful for the opportunities to attend such esteemed universities and to represent my family and community. I do not take lightly the privilege and responsibility to be among the few individuals selected for such honors.” He intends to pursue a degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Art, Film, and Visual Studies at Harvard University.
Achunike’s father, Godfrey Okafor, a high school mathematics teacher, expressed immense pride in his son’s achievements, underscoring the high value his family places on education.
Achunike Okafor’s extraordinary success serves as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating the heights that can be reached through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to academic excellence. His achievement is a source of pride for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
