Japhet Habimana topped ETO Muhima in last year’s Senior Six examinations. Ecole Technique Officiel (ETO) Muhima came ninth countrywide.

Habimana, 21, got 8.9 points. He said apart from reading hard, his parents also played a very big role in his success.

"I am just overwhelmed. I used to read hard," he said.

Habimana was born in DR Congo’s North Kivu province where he attended Rucuro Primary School.

He later studied his O’Level from Groupe Scolaire de Busesamana in Rubavu District, Western Province.

"Of course I was extremely happy and thanked God very much," he told The New Times.

He advised prospective Senior Six candidates to concentrate on their studies and respect their teachers’ advices.

"They should avoid wasting time and utilize every single opportunity wisely," he counseled.

His parents, Mark Hishamunda (father) and Laurence Nyirambabazi, praised their son saying he has always been an obedient child.

"We are very proud of our son because he is really good in so many ways," his mother said.

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