By Bode Durojaye
Educators, researchers and developmental psychologists define giftedness as “synchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm”.
This asynchrony, they pointed out “increases with higher intellectual capacity., As the uniqueness of the gifted renders them particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching and counseling in order for them to develop optimally”.
Princess Zainab Adebunmi Adeyemi left no one in doubt for being among the First Class students to graduate in Physiology from the Lead University in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, last Sunday.
A close study of Princess Zainab Adebunmi, daughter of His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo’s upbringing and lifestyle revealed the potentials for intelectually giftedness in her.
She is a child whose intellectual abilities, creativity and potential for achievement are so outstanding that the child’s needs exceed differentiated general education programming, adversely affects educational performance, and requires specifically designed instruction or support services.
She does not only possess the ability to read and to understand nuances in the language, reads two or more grade levels above current grade placement, but reads widely in many areas or intensely in one subject area.
Her retention of a variety of information is superb, as she often amazes parents and teachers by learning new information quickly and remembering the details over long periods of time.
Princess Zainab’s keen observation and curiosity, coupled with her acute awareness of self and the environment is behold to watch, just as she persistently pursue a line of questioning to learn more about topics of interest.
Her ability to think abstractly and strong critical thinking skills make her to move from concrete to symbolic representation very comfortably and at an earlier age than most children.
This is in addition to Zainab’s show of independence, self-reliance, responsibility in completing tasks and the ability to follow directions.
All these uncommon attributes found in exceptional children apparently inspired her Royal Father, the Alaafin of Oyo to present Zainab Adebunmi with a brand new Mazda car for the honour, proud and fame brought to the family.
The pretty, slim and athletic Princess Zainab Adebunmi could not hold back her excitement with tears of joy, as she knelt down before her Royal Father in appreciation of the surprise gift, and as a well brought up child .
What a beauty and deep knowledge combined for Princess Zainab Adebunmi Adeyemi.
Princess Zainab, who gave all the glory to God, appreciated and thanked her parents, including Ayaba Ramat Adedayo Adeyemi, who she described as “a caring and disciplinarian mother of mothers and with the milk of human kindness”.
She attributed proper upbringing, the wisdom and the knowledge imparted on as contributing factor to her exceptional performance at the University
” All these propelled my creativity and inventiveness, which enabled me to view situations from varying perspectives, develop and explore alternative approaches, and generate novel products.
“What is more, they infused seemingly limitless energy in me, thus making me to be frequently alert and eager, as well as delving into interests beyond the usual limitations of children of my own age”.
The short ceremony held inside the Palace in honour of Princess Zainab Adebunmi was attended by the Queen’s ( Ayabas) , princes , princesses, aides to the Alaafin and other members of staff.
Earlier, the Alaafin and his Royal Family had attended the convocation ceremony held at the University’s auditorium.
Thereafter , Princess Zainab presented her first class Bachelor’s of Science ( BSC) certificate to her Royal Father, the Iku Baba Yeye where she received accolades and royal blessing.
