Top performers in national exams share secrets behind their success

Tresor Henock Izere from Rwamagana District emerged as the best performer in the 2024–2025 Ordinary Level national examinations, according to the results announced by the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) on August 19. With an impressive score of 98.67 per cent, the student of Es Efotec Kanombe, told The New Times that parental support, hard work, and discipline were the key drivers behind his achievement. “Emerging at the top was a dream come true,” Izere said. “I love technology, and it is what I wish to pursue at Advanced Level. I worked hard for this, and when you reach the top, you must continue working hard to maintain your position.” ALSO READ: National exams: Over 75% pass PLE, 64% pass O-Level His mother, Francine Nyiramusengimana, said she always believed in her son's academic potential. “Since primary school, he never scored less than 90 per cent. His dedication to academics spoke volumes. We just tried to be supportive throughout his journey,” she said. “After Senior One, I transferred him to a top-performing school to support his dream, she added. ALSO READ: Maths, Physics record lowest scores in 2024–2025 national exams Izere led a group of five top performers in the Ordinary Level exams. He was followed by Albert Uwumuremyi from Hope Haven Christian Secondary School with 98 per cent. Elyse Flora Ineza with 97.89 per cent, Jean D’Amour Ndayishimiye 97.89 per cent, both also from Hope Haven, came next, before Jean Eudes Happy Agaba from Petit Séminaire St Aloys Cyangugu, who scored 97.78 per cent, followed. Uwumuremyi, the second-highest scorer, also spoke to The New Times, describing his performance as the result of long-term dedication. “I envisioned this and have always worked hard toward it, following advice from my parents and school leaders,” he said. “This is a dream come true, and I’m proud to make both my school and my family proud.” ALSO READ: National exams: A closer look at performance of girls vs boys His father, Ethien Ntigurirwa, credited consistent support and early preparation for the result. “He was always a bright student. Even in primary school, he promised to make me proud, and we supported him fully, providing everything we could for him to succeed.” Jean Eudes Happy Agaba, now admitted to Rwanda Coding Academy, said his dream was initially to become a doctor, with information technology as his second passion. “Finding out I have been admitted to Rwanda Coding Academy was an honour,” he said. “We often discussed it at home. My parents encouraged me to perform at the national level, and I followed the dream.” Agaba said it was not until Senior Three that he truly committed to achieving a top rank. “At first, it did not feel like a big deal. But later, I believed it was possible and focused hard, and here we are.” His mother, Dancille Nyiranzeyimana, an educator, emphasized the importance of parental involvement. “We encouraged reading and self-discipline, keeping him away from distractions. Being educators ourselves, we helped him with lessons when needed. But most of the effort was his, we just guided him.” ALSO READ: Kirehe District emerges top in national exams Meanwhile, at the primary level, girls outperformed boys among the top scorers. Of the six highest performers in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), four were girls. Victor Leo Arakaza from Wisdom School Musanze led the group with 99.4 per cent. He was followed by Gloria Brave Impano 98.8 per cent, Darcy Gavin Gall Duhirwe from Ecole Internationale La Racine in Bugesera District, scoring 98.8 per cent, Hiliness Joannah Nsengiyumva, also 98.8 per cent, and Gerardine Keza Ashimwe 98.8 per cent. According to NESA results, out of 219,926 registered PLE candidates, 166,334 passed, representing a pass rate of 75.64 percent. Of those, girls made up 53.2 percent, while boys accounted for 46.8 percent. For the Ordinary Level, the overall pass rate was 64.35 per cent.

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Top performers in national exams share secrets behind their success