Young Medical Prodigy Makes History with Seven Distinctions
A 21-year-old medical student has achieved what many considered impossible by graduating with distinctions in seven different medical fields from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University College of Medicine (COOUCOM) in Awka, Anambra State.
Dr. Chioma Karen Njelita emerged as the overall best graduating student of the MBBS Class of 2025 during the 12th Induction Ceremony held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Her exceptional performance saw her excel in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Community Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pharmacology, and Pathology.
The Winning Formula: Family Values and Personal Discipline
In an exclusive interview following her induction, Dr. Njelita revealed the core values that propelled her to academic excellence. "I am dedicating my academic success to my family upbringing, dedication to my studies, hard work, and discipline," she stated.
The young doctor explained that her parents set high standards from childhood, demanding nothing less than outstanding achievement. She also credited her success to divine favor and the support of her lecturers who imparted crucial knowledge throughout her medical journey.
"My lecturers contributed immensely to my academic success. Without them, I wouldn't have qualified to become a medical doctor," Dr. Njelita emphasized, acknowledging their role in shaping her medical career.
Overcoming Challenges in Medical School
The path to medical excellence wasn't without obstacles. Dr. Njelita openly shared her struggles, noting that medicine proved to be both versatile and demanding. "I had many challenging moments in my academic journey... There were times that I would fail my tests, but I would quickly pick myself up and work even harder," she revealed.
These experiences, rather than discouraging her, served to build her confidence and resilience. Her ability to bounce back from setbacks became a defining characteristic of her academic journey.
"Becoming the best graduating student with seven distinctions is a huge win for me and for everyone who had invested in me," Dr. Njelita declared, adding that "This is also a win for every girl-child."
Rigorous Training Standards at COOUCOM
The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha, highlighted the stringent measures implemented to ensure medical students meet the highest standards. She revealed that the university has tightened requirements to prevent graduating what she termed "Yahoo Yahoo or Indian hemp medical doctors."
"One of the major criteria for graduating as a medical doctor in this university is that you must have 75% class attendance," Prof. Omenugha disclosed. "We stepped some students down, so that they would not graduate because they didn't meet with attendance criterion."
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that discipline and respect for seniors form the foundation of medical training at COOUCOM, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional practice.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
The induction ceremony, held at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Pathology Auditorium in Amaku, Awka, witnessed 81 newly qualified doctors taking the Hippocratic Oath. The Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Lawrence Ikeako, congratulated the graduands on completing six years of rigorous study and perseverance.
Professor Ikeako stressed that the induction and upcoming housemanship (internship) would prepare them for independent practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to ethical codes throughout their careers.
Keynote speaker Prof. J.I. Adimma urged the new doctors to embrace compassionate care, integrity, and professionalism despite the challenges within Nigeria's health sector. The ceremony concluded with a strong commitment from the inductees to uphold the highest standards of medical practice and service to humanity.
Related Academic Achievement
In a separate development highlighting academic excellence in Nigerian institutions, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) announced that Akindunbi Aduragbemi Isaac achieved a cumulative grade-point average (CGPA) of 4.98, the highest ever recorded at the institution.
The Civil & Environmental Engineering graduate maintained nearly perfect scores across all semesters, earning perfect 5.0 scores in all but one semester where he achieved 4.85. FUTA recognized him as the overall best graduating student for the 2024/2025 session, marking a significant milestone in the university's academic history.
