At the primary level, the best performer was Arakaza Leo Victor from Wisdom School in Musanze District, who scored 99.4%. He was followed by Impano Brave Gloria from Bugesera District (98.8%), Ihirwe Kanimba Honnette from New Vision Primary School in Huye District (98.8%), Duhirwe Gall Gavin Darcy from École Internationale La Racine in Bugesera District (98.8%), Nsengiyumva Joannah Holiness from Bugesera District (98.8%), and Ashimwe Keza Gerardine from Bugesera District (98.8%).
Because five candidates tied with the same score of 98.8%, six students were recognized in this category instead of the usual top five.
Overall, 15,695 pupils completing primary school were placed in boarding secondary schools, while more than 150,000 were admitted into day schools.
Among the primary school laureates, Nsengiyumva Joannah Holiness highlighted prayer, faith in God, and consistent study as the main factors behind her success.
'The first thing that helped me was prayer and trust in God, because nothing is possible without Him. The second was studying diligently and using time wisely,' she said, adding that she aspires to become a doctor.
At the ordinary level of secondary education, the top performer was Izere Hennock Tresor of E.S Kanombe in Kicukiro District, who scored 98.67%. Other top students included Uwumuremyi Albert of Hope Haven School in Gasabo District (98.00%), Ineza Flora Elyse of Hope Haven School (97.89%), Ndayishimiye Jean D'Amour of Haven School in Gasabo (97.89%), and Agaba Happy Jean Eudes of Petit Séminaire St Aloys in Rusizi District (97.78%).
The Ministry of Education awarded the best performers with school materials, laptops, and a full year of tuition coverage for those continuing in public or government-supported schools.
Izere Hennock Tresor, who topped the ordinary level, attributed his success to five key factors: faith in God, support from his parents, studying in a good school with quality teaching, his personal commitment and effort, and encouragement from his siblings.
'Studying wasn't very difficult to the point of staying up late at night, but I made sure to dedicate quality time to it and focus whenever I had tasks to complete,' he explained.
He acknowledged facing challenges particularly in Kinyarwanda but said he overcame them through extra effort and discipline. Izere expressed his ambition to pursue studies in technology, inspired by global trends, and emphasized his determination to excel in the field.
Although he sat for the exams aiming to achieve high marks, he admitted he had not expected to emerge as the country's top student.
'I told myself I should at least try to be among the top students, but I also knew there are many brilliant learners across the country who study even harder. I didn't imagine I would be number one,' he said.
IGIHE
