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IOL News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Jaedon Naidu graduates summa cum laude as UKZN's top performing graduate of 2025
Jaedon Naidu graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, earning the highest credit-weighted average across the entire University Image: Sethu Dlamini Jaedon Naidu has etched his name in history as the top-performing graduate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), having graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. His stellar achievement is underscored by an impressive credit-weighted average (CWA) of 96.2 percent—an accolade that places him at the forefront of academic excellence for the class of 2025. What sets Naidu apart is the remarkable breadth of his studies encompassed by a rare triple major in Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science. His commitment to learning saw him achieve 100% in nine modules, alongside earning five Dean's Commendations and a phenomenal 25 Certificates of Merit throughout his academic career. Naidu's journey into the world of academia began at an early age when he and his brother were approached by Professor Delia North, the then Dean and Head of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science at UKZN. She encouraged the duo to explore data science as a viable career path—an opportunity that would ultimately shape Naidu's future. Initially enrolled in UKZN's Medical programme, Naidu quickly discovered that his true passion lay within the blend of subjects that defined the Data Science programme. 'I changed to the Data Science programme which combines mathematics, statistics and computer science, and realised it was exactly what I was looking for,' he stated, reflecting on the pivotal choice that changed the course of his career. Throughout his undergraduate studies, Naidu exhibited a natural affinity for modules that demanded logical reasoning and creative problem-solving, preferring them over rote memorisation. 'I don't really enjoy memorising large amounts of theory; problem-solving is more enjoyable for me—like a puzzle,' he said, pointing to the aspects of learning that fuelled his thirst for knowledge. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Jaedon Naidu at his graduation Image: Sethu Dlamini Naidu's passion for data science has deep roots, having begun during childhood with participation in national and international Olympiads in mathematics, computer programming, and physics. These formative experiences cultivated his analytical thinking and solidified his belief that data science could have a transformative effect in various industries. 'As the world evolves, data science is going to become even more high profile, no matter the industry,' he explained, acknowledging the job security the field offers. Currently enrolled in an honours programme in Statistics at UKZN, Naidu aims to further his studies, pondering whether to pursue his master's degree locally or overseas. He attributes his academic success to a robust support system consisting of family and mentors who played critical roles in his development. 'First and foremost, I credit God for the combination of my talents and an environment in which to nurture them,' he confessed. 'My family, notably my father, mother, and brother Aaron, have always been there for me, as well as my gran, who was my first teacher.' Naidu expressed gratitude to the educators who influenced his journey, including high school teachers at Eden College and UKZN Emeritus Professors, conveying his appreciation for their unwavering support and guidance. 'A huge thank you to UKZN and the phenomenal Data Science teaching team who have played a massive role in shaping my future. Hard work and consistency produce good results, and I extend my congratulations to all the graduates!' Beyond academics, Naidu embraces a balanced lifestyle through his hobbies, which include playing the piano, staying fit with weighted calisthenics, and sharing his knowledge through a YouTube channel dedicated to study skills and productivity. IOL
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- Science
- TimesLIVE
Problem-solving is enjoyable for me: UKZN's top-performing graduate
Jaedon Naidu is the University of KwaZulu-Natal's (UKZN) top-performing graduate of 2025. Described by UKZN as an 'extraordinary academic achievement', Naidu graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree, earning the highest credit-weighted average (CWA) in the entire university. 'His exceptional final CWA of 96.2% marks him as the top-performing UKZN graduate of 2025,' the institution said. Naidu's degree was further distinguished by a rare triple major in mathematics, statistics and computer science. Over the course of his degree, he achieved 100% for nine of his modules, earned five dean's commendations and 25 certificates of merit. 'His academic journey at UKZN was set in motion while he was still at school when the university's then dean and head of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Prof Delia North, approached him and his brother encouraging them to consider data science as a career path,' said UKZN. Naidu was accepted into UKZN's medical programme but soon realised his passion lay in a field that combined his strongest subjects and deepest interests. 'I changed to the data science programme which combines mathematics, statistics and computer science and realised it was exactly what I was looking for. 'It's hard for me to pick out any modules by name but certainly those I enjoyed most were the ones that were the most mathematical and tested critical thinking and problem solving. I don't enjoy memorising large amounts of theory and problem-solving is more enjoyable for me — like a puzzle,' he said. The top achiever's passion for data science began when he was a child. He competed in national and international Olympiads in mathematics, computer programming and physics which gave him an early foundation in analytical thinking. He said data science presented the perfect opportunity to bridge theoretical learning with real-world impact. 'As the world evolves, data science in its various forms is going to become more high profile, no matter the industry. So, inherent job security also plays a role.' Naidu is enrolled in an honours programme in statistics at UKZN and plans to pursue a master's degree there or at an overseas university. 'First, I credit God for the combination of my talents and an environment in which to nurture them. Second, my family, most notably my father, mother and brother Aaron, who've always been there for me, and my gran, who was my first teacher and to whom I owe most of my academic success. 'Also, to all the teachers who have helped me along the way: My high school teachers at Eden College as well as UKZN Emeritus Professors Poobhalan Pillay and Delia North, and all the other excellent teachers and lecturers who have imparted their knowledge to me over the years. 'A huge thank you to UKZN and the phenomenal data science teaching team for providing me with the knowledge and experiences I've gained and who have played a huge role in shaping my future. 'A message to anyone who's about to start their degree or pursuing one — hard work and consistency produce good results.'
