Justin Chukwudi Olewuezi is a Nigerian medical doctor who recently graduated from the Siberian State Medical University (SSMU) in Tomsk, Russia, with a perfect cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 5.0. He is the first Nigerian to achieve this feat in the 133-year history of the university, which was founded in 1888.
Olewuezi’s story and educational journey are inspiring and remarkable. He told PUNCH Online that he had always wanted to study abroad and make something of himself. However, he failed to gain admission into a Nigerian university twice, even with high scores in the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. He decided to pursue his dream in Russia with the help of his mother and a Russian-trained medical doctor.
He started his studies at the Tomsk Polytechnic University, where he learned the Russian language and some science subjects. Then he moved to SSMU, where he faced the challenges of studying medicine in a foreign language and culture. He said that the professors at SSMU taught him well and gave him confidence in his abilities.
According to BBC Igbo, Olewuezi is from Aboh Mbaise in Imo State, Nigeria. He attended primary school in Abuja and secondary school at the Air Force Comprehensive School in Enugu. He is 26 years old and has a passion for oncology. He said that his mother encouraged him to go for medicine and not be afraid of anything.
Olewuezi’s achievement is remarkable considering the statistics of medical education in Nigeria and Russia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has about 0.4 physicians per 1,000 people, while Russia has about 4.1 physicians per 1,000 people. Nigeria also has a shortage of medical schools and facilities, while Russia has over 50 medical universities and many research institutes.
Olewuezi should be celebrated for his excellence, perseverance and dedication. He has made history not only for himself but also for his country and continent. He has also shown that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination. He told BBC Igbo that he advises aspiring students to pursue their dreams and not let anything discourage them.
Apart from graduating with a perfect CGPA, Olewuezi also has other achievements to his name. He was awarded a certificate of merit by the rector of SSMU for his academic performance. He also participated in several scientific conferences and publications during his studies. He is currently doing his internship at the Tomsk Regional Oncology Center.
Another Nigerian worth mentioning is Victor Olalusi. Victor is not your average student, he is a genius who has achieved remarkable feats in his academic journey. He is the first person in the world to score a perfect 5.0 GPA in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow (RNRMU) in 2013 . He was also the best graduating student in the whole Russian Federation in 2013 .
But that’s not all. Olalusi has a history of excellence that dates back to his secondary school days. He had the best WAEC result in 2004, First Class Architecture (FUTA) -2005, JAMB Best Science Student (JAMB score 322) – 2006, Cowbell Prize Award – 2006, Medicine First Merit list (OAU) – 2006, and Highest OAU Post UME (score – 325) – 2006 .
How did he do it? How did he manage to excel in different fields and countries? What motivated him to pursue his passion for medicine? And why should he be celebrated as a role model for young Nigerians and Africans? Read more about Victor here.
