A strict study ethic, being surrounded by people that push him to the limit and aspirations to be the person he wants to be are the three guiding principles that Abdul Karim Mugisha has lived by, and to which he attributes his academic excellence that has characterized him since childhood.

Mugisha, 19, was the overall best performer in the national exams for Senior Six, whose results were released last month by the Minister of Education. 

The Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics major has already been recognized countrywide three times – in Primary Leaving Examinations where he was the best in the country, in Ordinary Level where he was seventh countrywide and most recently in Advanced Level.

The second born of five children completed his studies at Riviera High School and according to him, he is not driven by high grades but the thirst to gain deep understanding of the academic material he is given.

"I have always taken my studies seriously, not in the sense of getting high grades, but that the information I am getting is valuable and worth engaging deeply with. I try to understand the content I find in class as much as my schedule and time allow and the grades follow,” says the confident-looking 19-year old in an interview.

He adds: "I have adopted good study habits along the way that helped me maintain my stellar academic performance,” Mugisha, who, for his excellence was awarded a brand new laptop by the Education Minister for his outstanding performance.

Similar to other students, Mugisha studied under a very life-threatening condition due to Covid-19 pandemic but this did not get in his way of succeeding on his academic journey, a feat he still attributes to his three guiding principles.

"I believe I am surrounded by people who push me to grow and challenge my limits. I also draw motivation from thinking about the kind person I want to be and the impact I want to make,” he says.

Expounding further on his study ethic; Mugisha said that whenever he is revising, he will first of all establish the areas where he is weak and that is where he will spend the best chunk of his time.

Giving an example, he said that in the run up to the national exams, he realized he was weak in chemistry.

Focus on weak areas 

"I spent the most effort on it, especially in the week leading to the exams. Concentrating on my weaknesses has proven to be very helpful for me. I would evaluate not only the subjects but the topics I am strong in and those I am weak in and spend my time studying and revising the weak areas,” Mugisha says.

At school, Mugisha does not just spend his time buried in books. He says he loves debating and he is a member of the debate club at his school. He has also been engaged in different competitions that challenge the mind.

In 2017, Mugisha won the nationwide English spelling competition whose finals had brought together 15 schools. The competition was organized by Brain Teasers Rwanda, a local organisation.

For leisure, however, he says he enjoys playing chess and hanging out with friends.

During the interview Mugisha said he is fascinated by Rwanda’s history and likes reading about great people that have made an impact in the world.

"I draw inspiration from a number of people. I love reading biographies and autobiographies of successful people to learn from them and apply the lessons from their experiences.

I am also inspired by Rwanda’s story, particularly of how it has developed tremendously in such a short amount of time. It really speaks to the importance of commitment and cooperation to turn around the situation. I try to hone these values in what I do,” he says.

Coping with Covid-19

Like other students, it was a little difficult to catch up on studies after the seven-month hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he is grateful for his school for trying to follow up with his classmates and to keep them engaged during the uninvited break. 

He is also grateful for his father who always followed up with him to ensure he remained focused on his studies.

When schools resumed, Mugisha says that him and his classmates had to invest a lot of effort to recap the content for Senior 4 and 5 while at the same time completing the Senior 6 curriculum.

"Working closely with my classmates in the early mornings and late nights to practice and revise concepts really helped me and my classmates as well,” he says.

Future plans

For now, Mugisha says he is interested in studying general engineering and along the way he will zero in on an area of specialization in this particular field. He is currently enrolled in an online course on engineering physics.

"I see myself doing research in engineering, ideally working on one of the 14 grand challenges of engineering of the 21st century. I am still figuring things out, but I know I want to pursue a career that interests me, and with which I can have the most impact,” he says.

He urges his fellow students to make the best of the opportunities they have as it is a way to success.

"Regardless of your starting point or your situation, it all comes back to you as an individual to achieve what you want to achieve. Different people get different results with the same resources. You have had this advice before and it still remains true, work hard and work smart. Take full responsibility for your success.”

Mugisha went to Kigali Parents Primary School for primary education, and did his entire high school studies at Riviera High School.

What they say 

Ali Kabera (Mugisha’s father)

I have befriended my children. I spend as much time with them as I can, playing with them right from the tender age and in school, I have always followed up and worked hand in hand with their teachers which is the most important thing. 

As well, I try as much as possible to provide what my children might need during their studies, I also assist with their school work at home, just like any other parent. I have also availed teaching and learning materials at home where we have a library to help my children keep engaged.

Brian Kabera (Mugisha’s friend)

 He is friendly and not selfish. In school, he always took his time to explain and pushed us in subjects where we were weak and as you know when you explain something, you are able to grasp and understand better.

Gershom Buzaale (Mugisha’s primary school teacher)

Mugisha was a well behaved student and very focused. He was a child with few words. He was very competitive and loved perfection in everything that he put his hands on.