Kenyan student ranked best globally in IGCSE exams

Manraj Singh, displaying an achievement certificate at Melvin Jones Lions Academy, Nakuru on June 20, 2017. He gained the highest mark in the world for Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (without coursework) in the June 2016 Cambridge examinations. Over 10, 000 schools in 160 countries sat for the examinations. Photo/Suleiman Mbatiah/Standard

A 17-year-old Kenyan student has been ranked the best globally after emerging top in the 2016 Cambridge International examinations tested across 160 countries.

Manraj Singh, a student at Melvin Jones Lions Academy in Nakuru County, was awarded Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award after his exemplary performance in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams.

“I am elated. Although I expected to do well, I never thought I could conquer the world in this,” a delighted Manraj told The Standard at the school.

IGCSE is an equivalent of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. The examination leads to ‘A’ levels, which is a pre-university qualification leading to first or second-year university education.

Besides ranking the overall winner globally, Manraj also topped the list in Mathematics after scoring 100 per cent, an elusive mark which also earned him accolades.

“Manraj Singh of Melvin Jones Lions gained the highest mark in the world for Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics in the June 2016 Cambridge examination,” read part of a certificate of recognition signed by Cambridge International Chief Executive Michael O’Sullivan.

The international examinations were done across 10,000 schools.

The year 13 student whose global recognition has seen him appointed Senior School captain attributed his achievements to rigorous practice, patience and sacrifice.

“I always wanted to excel. For an entire month, I kept on studying until in the late night. It is also God who helped me through because I could not make it on my own,” said Manraj said adding that the recognition posed a big challenge ahead.

“...I have to work extra hard to better the results.” Manraj is hopeful that his win will earn him a scholarship to top universities abroad.