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NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
Record-breaking Nigerian Student in US, Kamdi Okeke
Kamdi Okeke, 21, an international student from Nigeria on June 11, 2026, achieved a remarkable academic milestone, graduating summa cum laude with 3.95 GPA in Biomedical Engineering from Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. His performance represents first-class honors with the highest distinction, placing him among the top graduating students in his program.
Building on this outstanding achievement, in addition to 521 MCAT, a rich background in community work, Biomedical and AI breakthroughs, Okeke has been admitted to five top-tier U.S. medical schools, including the Ivy League's Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) – and a waitlist spot at Johns Hopkins. He will begin his Doctor of Medicine (MD) program in August 2026.
In recognition of his exceptional academic record, leadership and promise in biomedical innovation and medicine, Okeke was selected to recieve the highly competitive University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine Twenty-First Century Scholars' Award. The merit-based scholarship covers full tuition and fees for the four-year MD program valued at more than $320,000.
In addition to this honor, UPenn awarded him a further financial package in the form of a supplemental scholarship totaling $110,511. Combined, these awards amount to $442,044 in scholarship support over the four-year medical program.
Okeke's academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing healthcare through engineering and medicine. His undergraduate training in Biomedical engineering coupled with his admission to some of the world's leading medical schools positions him to contribute meaningfully to medical research, clinical innovation and improved healthcare delivery.
As he prepares to begin medical training in August 2026, Okeke joins a select group of scholars recognized not only for academic excellence but also for their potential to shape the future of medicine. His achievement also highlights the growing impact of Nigerian students in global STEM and medical education.
Okeke's success stands as an inspiring example of academic excellence, perseverance, and the transformative opportunities available through merit-based international education.
