Mr Ridwaan Amod.“Best Single Undergraduate Student” Excells
Mr Ridwaan Amod (22) has achieved remarkable results that far exceed the norms of the average top student.
In his chosen area of study, a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering, Amod received two of the highest awards; the ‘Lawrence and Constance Robinson Scholarship’ which is awarded to the best single undergraduate in the entire university and the ‘Townley Williams Scholarship’, awarded to the best student entering the final year of study. Amod is the top student among 28 000 undergraduates.
Professor Vithal says Amod’s exceptional performance proves anything is achievable.
‘Ridwaan attained certificates of merit for 42 of the 42 modules he has taken in his first three years of study, was top of the class for 36 of these modules, scoring 100% in two modules; and was awarded Dean’s commendations in every semester since he has been registered; this is a phenomenal and rare achievement that makes him one of the very best students at UKZN.’
Amod resides in Overport and attended most of his schooling life at Al-Falaah College. He entered UKZN on an ‘Entrant Merit Scholarship’ – awarded to all new undergraduate students who score a “full house” of six A’s (level 7 or higher) in the matric examination - received after he matriculated as the third top pupil in KwaZulu-Natal in 2009.
Amod’s results throughout his undergraduate years average above 90%.
Amod says his secret to success is “goal-setting, a balanced lifestyle and having the confidence to achieve excellence”. He says he enjoys playing sports and always makes time to keep himself fit and active.
He says he is grateful for the award and for the opportunity to embark on a journey that will not just groom him as an engineer but as a person as well.
‘I have always been fascinated at how fast technology progresses and how it can be used to make a positive difference to people's lives,’ said Amod.
- Sejal Desai