Accra: Huda Suglo Suleman, a young Muslim lady, has been named Ghana’s Overall Best Candidate in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The former General Arts student of Legacy Girl’s College was also adjudged the Overall Best Candidate in General Arts with a perfect score of A1 in Social Studies, English Language, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, Elective Mathematics, Economics, Geography, and French.

At the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Distinction Awards, she received $1,200 from the WAEC Endowment Fund, GHS 30,000 and a laptop from Zenith Bank, a cheque of GHS 10,000 from Brightway Enterprises Limited, a laptop from Jay Kay Enterprises, and a plaque.

As a student currently at Ashesi University, she is pursuing mechatronics engineering with the desire of becoming an aerospace engineer.

In an interview she has called on young female students to challenge gender stereotypes and strive for excellence in their chosen fields.

“My advice to other female students is that they should not use gender as an excuse for not becoming the best. They can perform just as well as men, and even better. If they put in the necessary effort and persevere, they will achieve their goals and do even more.” She said.

Dr Clement Abas Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, praised the awardees for their perseverance and dedication to academic excellence.

He said the achievements of the students demonstrated that excellence was attainable when talent was combined with discipline and commitment.

He also expressed concern about the rising incidents of examination malpractice in some schools, highlighting the need for all stakeholders to work collectively to protect the credibility of national examinations.

The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, said the desire of the candidates to impact society positively was a sign that the future of the country would be bright.