Curtin University’s West Australian School of Mines (WASM) has enrolled its youngest student ever, 15-year-old Bachelor of Engineering/Commerce student, Bukayo Taiwo, at its Bentley Campus.
Originally from Nigeria, Ms Taiwo migrated with her family to Australia in 2000 at age five, and excelled at primary school, graduating at the age of 11. She then enrolled at Murdoch College, graduating at age 15.
Ms Taiwo said she was excited to be studying at WASM because it had been a long-term goal to work as an engineer in the mining industry.
“I have always really liked science and performed well in social sciences and English. My favourite subjects in year 12 were chemistry, economics and English,” Ms Taiwo said.
“I thought that studying engineering would lead to an interesting career. My choice to study commerce as well is because as I really liked business management and economics in years 11 and 12.
“The combination of these degrees seems logical to me. I believe going into the workforce with both degrees will give me an advantage and help give me the opportunity for promotion later on in my career.”
Ms Taiwo said her choice to study at WASM was based on its credentials as an iconic and reputable school for mining education.
“WASM has been around for more than 100 years. It is also accredited and recognised by all the important institutions and governing bodies. It’s a great place to study,” she said.
“It’s really interesting because the responsibility to learn is placed on the student and I like that. There are good lecturers and engaging classes. I believe it’s a good experience, plus I’ve made new friends and I like the course so far.”
Director of WASM, Professor Steve Hall, said Ms Taiwo was a fine example of a focussed individual, highly committed to a career in the global mining industry.
“With this sort of dedication, focus and energy, Bukayo has all the characteristics that our booming resources industry is calling out for,” Professor Hall said.
WASM has a campus at Bentley in Perth and also Kalgoorlie in regional WA. WASM offers degrees in Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy, Applied Geology, Spatial Sciences and Exploration Geophysics and is a major part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Curtin University.
Contact:
Andrea Barnard, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4241, Email: andrea.barnard@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
