Timi Adelakun, Nigerian teenager, becomes first black valedictorian at US high school

Timi Adelakun, a Nigerian teenager, has made history by becoming the first black valedictorian at South Broward High School in Florida, US. 

The 18-year-old achieved the recognition after emerging the best graduating student with 5.604 GPA — the highest grade points ever recorded at the school.

Adelakun hinted that his grade points, which was earlier revealed to him by the school authorities, could even be higher upon graduation.

Speaking with ABC News, the young man, who is the youngest of three children, said the achievement meant a lot to him considering his relatively low-income background.

“Coming from a low-income community, it means a lot in general because of the way I was brought up,” he told the media outlet.

He, however, rued the fact that his father, who was deported after spending 28 years in the US, won’t be present when he would be honoured.

“He’s missed out and it’s not his fault. It’s not any of our fault. He left when I was in the first grade. … I miss his physical presence and involvement,” he added.

The young Nigerian also noted that his family is still trying everything possible to bring him back to the country.

Adelekan is billed to deliver his valedictory speech during South Broward High School’s virtual ceremony in June.

The Nigerian said he hopes to use his speech to provide some “positive reinforcement” for the class of 2020 in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The feat has fetched Adelakun prominence as well as offers from several other colleges including Columbia University, the Juilliard School and the University of Southern California.

He, however, revealed he would be going to Pomona College, a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California — his preferred choice — after it offered him a full scholarship.