Child prodigy begins university course (From Salisbury Journal)

14-year-old Wajih Ahmed starts at University of Southampton

11:22am Thursday 27th September 2012 in Education By Luke Tugby, Senior reporter

It wasn't the average start to student life - arriving on campus with a packed lunch in his backpack, after a good luck kiss from mum.

But that was the scene in Southampton today, as Wajih Ahmed officially became the city's youngest ever university student, at the tender age of 14.

As reported by the Daily Echo last month , maths sensation, Wajih, secured his place studying economics at the University of Southampton after netting A* grades in maths, further maths and physics, as well as an A in chemistry, in his A-level exams .

And his astonishing achievements have already earned him the status of a “legend” among his new peers.

After picking up his student ID card, child prodigy, Wajih, headed off for an introductory lecture alongside scores of other economics students, inside the university's Murray Building.

The former Thornden School and Barton Peveril College student attracted plenty of attention, with fellow freshers quick to say hello and shake his hand.

One student even introduced himself by saying: “Aren't you that kid who did amazingly well? You're a legend mate!”

Wajih, who will continue to live at home in Chandler's Ford with his parents, Saadia and Usman, throughout his three-year course, said he was “really excited” about starting his degree course properly, on Monday.

The teenager, who is targeting a first class honours degree to add to his impressive CV, also plans to attend trials for the university's football and badminton squads.

He told the Daily Echo: “I've been waiting quite a while for this, so I'm looking forward to it.

“Everything will be great. Meeting new people, going to lectures and getting involved with a few sports will be really good.

“I was a bit nervous at first, but a lot of people are asking me questions and making me feel welcome.”

Wajih's dad, Usman, 46, revealed it was a momentous day for his son for another reason too.

“Wajih's started carrying his own wallet and debit card now,” he said.

“He's had a card now for about four years but Saadia's been carrying that. He's mature enough now to have that for himself.

“We just hope he doesn't blow all of his student loan!”

Debra Humphris, Pro Vice Chancellor for Education at the university, said: “We are delighted to welcome Wajih to the University of Southampton together with all new and returning students.

“Like all undergraduates Wajih will receive the highest levels of support, guidance and help throughout his degree and we hope he will enjoy his time in at the University of Southampton.”

Wajih's CV:

• GCSE Maths A*
• GCSE Statistics A*
• GCSE Biology A*
• GCSE Chemistry A*
• GCSE Physics A*
• GCSE French A*
• GCSE History A*
• GCSE RE A*
• GCSE Systems and Controls A*
• GCSE Business and Economics A*
• GCSE English Language A*
• GCSE English Literature A
• GCSE Geography A
• GCSE Business and Communication Systems A
• GCSE Economics B
• A-level Maths A*
• A-level Further Maths A*
• A-level Physics A*
• A-level Chemistry A
• AS level Economics A