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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Nigerian graduate shines at Russian medical university

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Dorcas Akanbi, daughter of a Nigerian editor, graduated from Russia's Rostov State Medical University with a 4.90 CGPA.
  • She delivered her valedictory speech in fluent Russian, inspiring many Nigerians with her academic achievement.
  • Akanbi's journey began seven years ago with dreams of becoming a doctor, inspired by Ben Carson's story.

Seven years after leaving Nigeria with two bags and a dream, Dorcas Akanbi has emerged as one of the top graduates of Russia's Rostov State Medical University. Akanbi, daughter of THISDAY's Deputy Sunday Editor, Festus Akanbi, achieved an outstanding 4.90 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and delivered her valedictory speech in fluent Russian.

I have finally been inducted into the medical profession; one of the BGS (Best Graduating Students) with a CGPA of 4.90/5.00. From UNILAG to Russia, God did it. Dr Akanbi D.E

— Dorcas AkanbiAnnouncing her induction into the medical profession on social media.

Her accomplishment has garnered admiration from Nigerians both at home and abroad. Akanbi's aspiration to become a doctor began at age eight, inspired by the story of American neurosurgeon Ben Carson. Today, that childhood dream has materialized into a significant academic success.

If you can dream it, you can achieve it. After reading Ben Carson’s story since I was 8, I knew medicine was where I was meant to go.

— Dorcas AkanbiReflecting on her childhood inspiration during her valedictory address.

"I have finally been inducted into the medical profession; one of the BGS (Best Graduating Students) with a CGPA of 4.90/5.00. From UNILAG to Russia, God did it. Dr Akanbi D.E," she announced on social media platform X, expressing gratitude for her journey.

Seven years ago, I arrived in Russia with my two bags, big dreams and a bright hope. I could not have known how exactly my life would play out, but by the grace of God, I have become far beyond what I had imagined.

— Dorcas AkanbiRecounting her arrival in Russia during her valedictory address.

Akanbi recalled her arrival in Russia seven years prior with "two bags, big dreams and a bright hope." She noted that her first year in Rostov, which began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, was challenging due to online classes. She only met her classmates in person during her second year.

After my padfak in the city of Maykop, I moved to Rostov in 2020, the peak of COVID. My first year was not the smoothest, as we had to fully commit to online classes for the whole academic year. I only got to meet my coursemates for the first time at the beginning of my second year.

— Dorcas AkanbiDescribing the challenges of her first year of studies in Russia.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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