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21-year-old David Obagbuwa wears his graduation regalia after being conferred as the youngest doctor in South Africa.
A 21-year-old man, who recently graduated with a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, has become one of the youngest doctors in South Africa.
David Obagbuwa started his medical studies at the age of 15.
He moved to South Africa from Nigeria with his family when he was 11.
Due to a misunderstanding, he was placed in Grade 9 at the Kharwastan Secondary School in Durban.
The school allowed him to continue after he did well in his studies and eventually matriculated in 2019.
He says that despite facing adversities, he stayed focused to finish his studies at the age of 21.
“Starting medical school at 15 was exciting, overwhelming and humbling all at once. I walked into the lecture halls where I was the youngest, but I quickly realised that medicine is what I call a great equalizer. Because once you are there, it’s about passion, discipline and hard work. I had to grow up fast, but I think beginning early taught me resilience and helped me navigate spaces where I might be different from everyone else. It shaped who I am today as a person and as a doctor.”
