POLOKWANE – Northern Muslim School learner Nabeel Saloojee was awarded as the top independent examinations board (IEB) gr. 12 learner in Limpopo for 2014, during a ceremony at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort last Tuesday.
Nabeel’s results were as follows: English – 92%, Afrikaans – 92%, maths – 99%, accounting – 98%, life sciences – 93%, physical science – 99%, life orientation – 90%.
He was offered a full vice chancellor’s scholarship, awarded to the top 10 students who applied to Wits University and was personally congratulated by the vice chancellor.
Nabeel said he planned to study medicine. “Even though I have not finally decided on what area I would like to specialise in, I believe that it will all become clear as soon as I start my studies,” he said.
He said his biggest dream would be to find a cure for cancer and help those who live with the disease.
Five years ago Nabeel’s brother, Muhammed, was the top gr. 12 learner in the province and he is now a fifth year medical student at Wits University.
Nabeel said that he had always been a hard-working learner and his matric year was no different. “I worked out every old exam paper I could get and that helped me achieve my marks. I was so proud to hear of my achievement but I expected to do as well as I did. I know what I worked for. My parents are very proud of me and they taught me the meaning of hard work and achieving goals,” Nabeel said.
He said that he found the matric year much easier then he thought it would be and the only thing that made it difficult was the pressure from parents and teachers as it was the last year. He said time was not something that one had in one’s last year at school.
Nabeel said his advice to gr. 12 learners for 2015 was: “Your gr. 12 year is a year of so many lasts, your last days of school, your last morning assembly, your last days of uniform, your last maths class and so many more. Make sure to put your best foot forward, hold your head high and reach for the stars. Listen carefully to the advice of your parents and teachers. But also remember to just enjoy it. Treasure every single moment, because these are some of the best days of your life”.
Northern Muslim School board chairperson, Ismail Ibrahim, said the school was extremely proud of Nabeel’s outstanding achievement. “It is the mark of a brilliant and dedicated student. We wish him all the best in the future,” Ibrahim said.
