At just 11 years old, Saratu Dan-Azumi has attracted attention for her remarkable mental arithmetic abilities, solving complex calculations involving thousands and millions without using a calculator, pen or paper.
During an interview with Daily Trust, Saratu was asked how many days a 30-year-old person had lived. She reportedly answered 10,800 days almost immediately and went on to solve several other mathematical problems with impressive speed.
But behind her extraordinary talent is a difficult story. Saratu reportedly stopped attending school in Primary Four after persistent bullying and mockery from classmates and some members of her community.
She has expressed her desire to return to school in a different environment where she can learn without fear of harassment.
Her mother, Malama Rabiatu, said she first noticed Saratu’s exceptional mathematical ability when she was around five years old. She also described her daughter as being skilled in small-scale business and traditional hand-fan making.
Following reports about Saratu’s abilities and educational challenges, support reportedly began coming her way. The Bashir Ahmad Foundation (BAF) awarded her an educational scholarship, while the World Bank-supported AGILE programme announced plans to support her education and facilitate her return to school.
Saratu’s story is more than a story about extraordinary numbers. It is a reminder that talent can emerge from anywhere—and that gifted children need the right environment, encouragement and education to reach their potential.
