12 years old passed university entrance exam

The news of Yahya passing the university entrance exam at the age of 12 was made public by Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The boy will begin his university career in the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.

To get into university at the age of 12, Yahya had to take tests in Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English and a personality assessment interview. The knowledge of the entrance exam is equivalent to the end of high school.

Sharing with the press, Professor Salah Obayya, General Director of ZC, said that Yahya is the youngest student to pass the school after "meeting the exam standards, regardless of age and educational level".

"This exam is for young candidates to measure their understanding of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. Yahya is a genius because he passed the ZC entrance exam at the age of 12," said Mr. Obayya.

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Mr. Reda Hegazy, Minister of Education and Technology of Egypt (left), presents the award to Yahya Abdel Nasser Muhammad Elnajaar (right). Photo: MOE GOV

Before entering ZC, Yahya attended a course at Damietta University’s Science Innovation Center and received a Listening Certificate. In addition, Yahya also passed the tests: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Thinking Skills.

Accordingly, the Egyptian government will fund Yahya's studies at ZC through the Ministry of Higher Education's Innovation Scholarship Fund (ISF) for outstanding students, postgraduates and researchers.

Challenges to face

Although Yahya is mentally and intellectually on par with university students, his age, physical, emotional and social skills will be the biggest barriers, said Samir Khalaf Abd-El-Aal, a research professor at the National Center for Research in Cairo.

"Parents and schools need to recognize the challenges children face and address them early, including: Behavior, emotions, nurturing relationships with people and building friendships. To achieve this, parents and schools need to work closely. At the same time, they should guide children to build personal strengths to develop their own intelligence and emotions," said Mr. Abd-El-Aal.

Professor Ahmed El-Gohary, former President of the Egyptian-Japanese Alexandria University of Science and Technology, agrees that gifted students should be given special care and should not be deprived of experiences, including making friends and having fun. He advises these schools to develop the right learning path, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

The role of family and school

Confiding to University World News , Yahya's father, Mr. Abdel Nasser, said that the role of the family is to encourage children to develop their potential and solve problems with them. "In terms of academics, I have tried my best to help my son develop his intelligence. I have put him in a suitable educational environment that meets his learning needs," the boy's father said.

This person further confirmed that Yahya currently has no problems studying and interacting with older friends in university classes.

Professor Mahmoud Abdrabou, President of ZC, said the school will help Yahya adapt to university life and overcome the challenges he will face in the future. The school representative added that the boy will be encouraged to participate in student clubs and activities.

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