Meet the Imafidons: The Smartest Black Family in England

Nexus March 08, 2025 0

The Imafidon family, originally from Nigeria, has earned the title of "Britain's smartest family" due to their exceptional academic achievements and contributions to society. Their story is a testament to the power of education, dedication, and a supportive environment.

Professor Chris Imafidon and Ann Imafidon

Professor Chris Imafidon, an international scholar and education consultant, emigrated from Edo State, Nigeria, to London over 35 years ago. He believes in personalized learning approaches, stating, "If you really want a child to learn anything, find out the best way that a child learns. Every human being has a unique way of learning." This philosophy has evidently played a significant role in his children's successes.

Anne-Marie Imafidon

The eldest child, Anne-Marie, showcased her prodigious talents early on. She passed two GCSEs in primary school and, at 11, became the youngest person to pass the A-level computing exam in the UK. By 17, she had earned a Master's Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Oxford. Anne-Marie co-founded and serves as the CEO of Stemettes, an organization dedicated to empowering young women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). 

Christiana Imafidon

At nine, Christiana was honored as one of the youngest girls to receive a mathematics award by the Minister of State for E-commerce. She authored a 'Maths Manual' to assist her peers struggling with the subject. By 11, she became the youngest student to attend a British university, earning multiple scholarships. Today, Christiana is an international speaker and has been recognized as one of the most influential women in financial technology.

Samantha Imafidon

Demonstrating academic prowess early, Samantha passed two high school-level mathematics and statistics exams at just six years old. She became the UK's youngest secondary school student at nine and is also a gold medalist in the 100m and 200m relays.

Paula and Peter Imafidon

The youngest of the siblings, twins Paula and Peter, set a joint world record at eight by passing an A/AS-level examination in mathematics. A year later, they passed the University of Cambridge's Advanced Mathematics (FAM) paper, becoming the youngest students ever to do so. At nine, they made history as the youngest children in British history to attend high school. Beyond academics, both are accomplished musicians and athletes. Peter is a 100m and 400m relay champion in London with aspirations to serve as Prime Minister, while Paula is a county champion in rugby and has a passion for teaching math. 

The Imafidon family's achievements have been used as a model to improve scholarship in Europe and Asia. Their story underscores the importance of recognizing and nurturing individual learning styles, the impact of a supportive family environment, and the boundless potential that lies within every child.