A remarkable student, who just turned 15 last month, has gained a first-class Honours BSc degree in Mathematics from the University of Leicester.
Yasha Asley was only 12 when he embarked upon the three-year undergraduate degree. This week, he joined some 3,500 graduates of the University of Leicester to become the youngest graduate in the University’s history.
Yasha said: “Right from my primary school days I wanted to start my university education early. I love absolutely everything about mathematics and I would like to continue studying.
Now, at 15 years old, I finished my degree course when children of my age are doing their GCSEs and I am grateful for the opportunity that was created for me. Overall I will have great memories to look back on.
I look forward to continuing my education here at Leicester by embarking on a PhD in Mathematics in September. Eventually, I would like to become a research mathematician here so that I can continue to enjoy my love of mathematics.”
Yasha’s father, Moussa, who accompanied his son for the ceremony, said: “I am so proud of him- I have waited 14 years for this day. I always knew he could do it.”
Professor Jeremy Levesley, who taught Yasha, said:
“It has been a great pleasure to work with Yasha over the last three years. He has integrated really well with the other students, and if I had not known he was younger I would not have guessed.
He has proven to be one of the best students we have ever had here, so it is great that he is staying with us to do a PhD. On a personal note, I think he is a great bloke, and will go on to do really interesting things.”
