Gift Ewulonu's 12-Year Journey to Becoming a Medical Doctor
Gift Ewulonu, a graduate of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Calabar, has shared her inspiring story of perseverance after finally becoming a doctor 12 years after completing secondary school. Her journey, marked by repeated exam failures and personal tragedy, culminated in her induction ceremony on June 22, 2026.
Five Attempts at UTME Before Admission
Ewulonu wrote the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) five times before gaining admission to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Calabar. In a detailed LinkedIn post, she described how she had initially expected to become a doctor by age 22, but life took a different path. “It took registering for JAMB five times just to see the university gates open,” she wrote.
Personal Tragedy Fueled Determination
Just as she was on the verge of admission, a devastating personal loss reshaped her motivation. “Medicine was no longer just my ambition; it was a promise made to a dying man, one I couldn't help but fulfill,” Ewulonu recounted, without disclosing further details about the individual.
Overcoming Institutional Delays and the Pandemic
Once enrolled, Ewulonu faced additional hurdles, including COVID-19 disruptions and recurrent university strikes that extended her studies by an extra year. She described the academic pressure as relentless, involving classes, laboratory rotations, ward postings, exams, and countless sleepless nights. Despite these challenges, she remained engaged in extracurricular activities such as debating, volunteering, advocacy, research, and leadership.
Final Exam and Induction
In February 2026, Ewulonu passed her final professional examination. Her Physician's Oath-Taking and Induction ceremony took place on Monday, June 22, 2026, marking the climax of her 12-year journey. She celebrated the achievement on LinkedIn, where her story garnered widespread congratulations.
Related Stories of Perseverance in Nigerian Universities
Ewulonu's story echoes similar tales of resilience among Nigerian students. In a related report, the best graduating student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) shared how he was rejected by the University of Ibadan before finding success. Another graduate staged a one-man protest over unemployment. Additionally, the Lagos State University (LASU) best graduating student opened up about her admission struggles in an interview with Legit.ng.
According to Victoria Nwahiri, a Reuters-certified journalist and Human Interest Editor at Legit.ng, Ewulonu's account highlights the systemic challenges facing medical students in Nigeria, including institutional delays and the emotional toll of prolonged study. Her story serves as a testament to determination and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
