Nigerian pupil from Glasgow ‘ecstatic’ at Cambridge offer

A pupil who moved from Nigeria to Glasgow has said he is “ecstatic and shocked” after scoring a place at the University of Cambridge to study medicine.

Ayo Lambe, 17, studied for his Advanced Highers at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) – achieving four band one A grades in physics, chemistry, biology and maths.

The teenager, who said he wanted to study medicine after caring for his younger brother, went on: “I am very grateful to everyone who contributed to my journey and am happy I have been able to make them proud.”

The university runs an “advanced higher hub” to study subjects not on their schools’ curriculum, with Ayo not offered the subjects at St Margaret Mary’s Secondary School, said GCU.

GCU said Ayo moved from Nigeria to England when he was three, moving back to Nigeria when he was ten, then moving to Glasgow when he was in fourth year at school, typically when pupils are aged 14-15.

He said: “Though the UK had previously been my home, it was still a big culture change. I vaguely remember not being able to grasp the Glaswegian accent and still laugh at that.

“But what they say is true, Glasgow has the kindest people.

“I have a younger brother with Down’s syndrome, who I credit with being my main motivation for wanting to study medicine.

“Helping my mum take care of him is something I enjoy doing.”

Studying on the university’s campus gives pupils better access to subjects required for high-demand undergraduate courses, like medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine.

Overall, pupils at the hub achieved pass rates of 97%, with 53% achieving A grades and 82% A and B grades, said GCU.