From K-drama fan to valedictorian: Nigerian student delivers speech in Korean at graduation

A Nigerian student's deep fascination with Korean dramas and K-pop music has culminated in an extraordinary academic achievement in South Korea. Nnenna Onyima graduated with a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Daejeon University, not only earning the highest academic honors but also being named valedictorian for the international students' class.

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At home, she was constantly engrossed in Korean movies, much to the discomfort of everyone else in the family. There were times when I wondered what exactly she was getting from all these Korean movies.

Her father, Tony Onyima, shared the journey on Facebook, recounting how his initial skepticism about his daughter's immersion in Korean culture eventually transformed into immense pride. "At home, she was constantly engrossed in Korean movies, much to the discomfort of everyone else in the family," he wrote. "There were times when I wondered what exactly she was getting from all these Korean movies."

Rather than dismiss her interest, the family encouraged Nnenna to learn Korean, a decision that paved the way for her selection in September 2023 for the competitive Global Korean Scholarship. She was among 1,099 scholars chosen from 131 countries, and one of only 14 Nigerians to receive the scholarship.

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She was among 1,099 scholars selected from applicants from 131 countries and one of only 14 successful Nigerians.

Upon traveling to South Korea for the graduation ceremony, Tony Onyima was unaware of the surprise awaiting him. Nnenna was called upon to deliver the valedictory speech on behalf of all graduating international students, speaking fluently in Korean. "I thought I knew what awaited me. I was wrong… Then something happened that I had not anticipated," her father recalled. "My daughter was the valedictorian. Suddenly, the long flight from Lagos, the visa anxiety and all the stress of the journey seemed insignificant… Here she was. Near fluent. Confident. Graduating summa cum laude. And speaking on behalf of her fellow international students."

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I thought I knew what awaited me. I was wrong… Then something happened that I had not anticipated. Nnenna was called upon to respond on behalf of the international students. For a few seconds, I wondered why. Then it dawned on me. This was why she had insisted that I come. My daughter was the valedictorian. Suddenly, the long flight from Lagos, the visa anxiety and all the stress of the journey seemed insignificant… Here she was. Near fluent. Confident. Graduating summa cum laude. And speaking on behalf of her fellow international students.