Seven years after leaving Nigeria with two bags and a dream of becoming a doctor, Dr Dorcas Akanbi, daughter of THISDAY’s Deputy Sunday Editor, Festus Akanbi, has emerged as one of the top graduates of Rostov State Medical University in Russia, earning an outstanding 4.90 CGPA and delivering her valedictory speech in fluent Russia, writes Sunday Ehigiator
For many young Nigerians who dream of becoming doctors, the journey often begins with a desire to save lives, but for Dr Dorcas Eniola Akanbi, that dream started long before she stepped into a university classroom.
Inspired by the story of renowned American neurosurgeon and former United States presidential candidate Ben Carson, she set her sights on medicine at the age of eight. Today, that childhood dream has blossomed into an extraordinary achievement.
Akanbi recently graduated from Rostov State Medical University in Russia with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.90 out of a possible 5.00, placing her among the institution’s best graduating students.
Her accomplishment has drawn admiration from Nigerians at home and abroad, not only because of her academic excellence but also because she delivered her valedictory speech fluently in Russian.
Announcing her induction into the medical profession on the social media platform X, the new doctor expressed gratitude for her journey from Nigeria to Russia. “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 wrote.
The achievement has since resonated across social media, where many Nigerians praised her academic record and applauded her ability to master a foreign language while pursuing one of the world’s most demanding courses.
A Dream Born in Childhood
Speaking in Russian during her valedictory address, Akanbi reflected on the inspiration that set her on the path to medicine. “‘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.”
The statement offered a glimpse into the determination that would later define her educational journey. Seven years earlier, she had left Nigeria for Russia carrying little more than hope and ambition.
“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,” she told the audience.
Her journey began with preparatory studies in Maykop before she relocated to Rostov in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education systems worldwide.
“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,” she recalled.
For many students, adapting to a new academic environment during a global pandemic would have been challenging enough. But for Akanbi, there was another major hurdle: language.
Conquering the Russian Language
One of the most remarkable aspects of Akanbi’s story is her mastery of Russian fluently, culminating in a confident valedictory speech delivered entirely in the language.
She admitted that learning Russian was initially overwhelming. “Getting familiar with the Russian language was, for me, very difficult. The only words I knew while leaving my country, Nigeria, were yes and no,” she said. The challenge was magnified by the demands of studying medicine.
“It felt impossible to speak proficiently, let alone study one of the hardest courses in the world in one of the hardest languages in the world.
“Yet rather than discouraging her, the difficulty became a source of motivation. “But I love challenges, and that is one of the reasons why I chose one of the best universities in Russia and a beautiful city such as Rostov,” she added.
Her eventual success illustrates the power of perseverance and adaptability. By graduation day, she was not merely conversant in Russian; she was capable of addressing an audience of university administrators, faculty members, graduates and guests with eloquence and confidence.
More Than Academic Excellence
While her academic record stands out, Akanbi’s university experience extended well beyond the classroom. One of the themes of her speech was the importance of pursuing a balanced student life.
“One of my goals was to have an active student life outside academics. I am happy to say that RostGMU gave me that,” she said.
Her involvement in extracurricular activities was extensive. “In 2024, I contested for Miss RostGMU as the only foreigner and came out second,” she revealed.
She also served actively in the students’ association, volunteering her musical talents at school and charitable events. “I was also a proud member of the students’ association, where I volunteered to sing in school and non-profit events.”
Academically, she participated in conferences and contributed to research and publications across multiple medical disciplines, including epidemiology, dermatology, therapy and surgery.
She acknowledged the role played by mentors during her training, singling out neurosurgery lecturer Yuri Georgievich Yakovlenko for special recognition. “My mentor, Yuri Georgievich Yakovlenko, from the department of Neurosurgery, always availed himself to answer my questions,” she said.
Beyond her medical studies, Akanbi built an impressive portfolio of experiences. She worked as a nurse and paramedic, pursued modelling, operated a baking business, coordinated the Nigerian community in Rostov and played several musical instruments.
Though still weighing her options on if to come practice in Nigeria or remain abroad, her diverse pursuits, she explained, stemmed from a refusal to be confined by conventional expectations. “I got the opportunity to do many things because I refused to box myself.”
Managing Multiple Roles
For many aspiring medical students, Akanbi’s achievements may appear almost impossible to replicate. Yet she insists the formula is straightforward: intentionality and discipline.
“The question I get asked often is, ‘How do I find the time to do all these?’ It’s simple. If you really want something, you’ll find the time,” she said.
At the same time, she emphasised the importance of maintaining priorities. “However, school was always my priority.” That commitment is reflected in the exceptional CGPA she achieved despite balancing numerous responsibilities outside academics.
Her story challenges the notion that students must choose between academic excellence and personal development. Instead, she demonstrated that with focus and effective time management, both can coexist.
Message to Future Doctors
Akanbi used her valedictory platform to inspire fellow graduates as they prepare to enter the medical profession. “To my colleagues, the sky is not the limit; it is the starting point,” she declared.
She urged them not to compare their journeys with others. “Always remember, there is no race. Whatever path you decide to go, do not forget why you started this journey in the first place.”
For Akanbi, medicine represents more than a career. “Medicine is a prestige; it is more than a profession. It is a service, a sacrifice to humanity.” She encouraged her peers to embrace their new responsibilities with confidence. “Every time you put on your coat or scrubs, wear it with confidence, because you earned it.”
The new doctor also directed part of her speech toward younger students still navigating the rigours of medical education. “And to my juniors, keep your head high. A bad score is not the end of life,” she advised.
Recognising the pressures many students face, she urged them not to allow setbacks to define their future.
“Do not get discouraged by how many times you have to fail till you succeed.”
Instead, she encouraged perseverance and a broader approach to learning. “Stay focused. Create memories.
“Don’t just study to pass; study to become an excellent doctor for your future patients.”
As her speech drew to a close, Akanbi expressed heartfelt appreciation to those who supported her along the way. “Finally, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped me write my success story,” she said.
She paid tribute to her parents, relatives, friends, mentors, university administrators and healthcare professionals who contributed to her development.
“From my parents, family and friends back in Nigeria, to the families and friends I have met here, to the student association, the doctors I have interned with, my deans and non-academic staff, my heart is full of gratitude.”
Among the milestones she celebrated most was becoming the first doctor in her family. “Now I have become the first generation of doctors in my family.” She also expressed appreciation to her alma mater. “My alma mater, Rostov State Medical University, I am grateful.”
A Symbol of Nigerian Excellence Abroad
Akanbi’s achievement adds to a growing list of Nigerians excelling in academic institutions across the world. Her success story reflects the determination, adaptability and resilience often displayed by Nigerian students who pursue higher education abroad.
From arriving in Russia with limited knowledge of the language to graduating with one of the highest academic records in her class, her journey demonstrates what can be accomplished through hard work, focus and an unwavering belief in one’s dreams.