Divine Nwafor, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, became the first Black student to graduate with a double degree from West Virginia University (WVU).
A Pioneering Graduation Day
Divine Nwafor took to Twitter to share his joy on graduation day, describing it as memorable. As a first-generation college graduate and the inaugural physician in his family, Divine achieved another historic milestone as the first Black student to earn a dual M.D./Ph.D. from WVU.
His tweet encapsulated the significance of the moment and the collective effort that led to this groundbreaking achievement.
From Lagos to West Virginia: The Educational Odyssey
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Divine’s educational journey took a transcontinental turn when he moved to the United States in 2011 to pursue a biochemistry degree.
His decision to stay for the MD/PhD program was because of his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. Despite facing challenges, Divine found support in mentors who provided invaluable advice during his educational pursuits.
Mentorship and Mantra: Navigating Challenges
In an interview, Divine mentioned the role of mentors and lecturers in his success. One piece of advice became his mantra throughout his education and career:
“Put your best foot forward. There were hard days in school, residency, and practice, but nothing was impossible.”
This mantra, along with a strong understanding of research data, propelled him to pursue a dual degree, bridging the realms of research and patient care.
Trusting Instincts: The WVU Experience
Divine’s journey at WVU exemplified the impact of trusting instincts. Because he selected WVU from Lagos, Nigeria, he found a supportive environment that fostered growth.
As he navigated the competitive field of neurosurgery residency, advice from mentors, including Dr. Peter Konrad, guided him. The collaborative and ideation-driven atmosphere at WVU made Divine not just a learner but a valued member of the healthcare team.
As the first Black student to be awarded an M.D./Ph.D. dual degree at WVU, Divine Nwafor’s achievements extended beyond personal milestones.
He embarked on a neurosurgery residency at the University of Virginia, carrying with him the belonging and gratitude for the impactful journey at WVU.
His hope is that his success will inspire students of color to trust WVU for their education and professional development.
