By Uboh-Ekong Treasure
A Nursing student of Lagos State University (LASU), Odumeru Ameerah Adefowope, has graduated with First Class Honours after surviving Hodgkin lymphoma, a life threatening form of blood cancer that forced her to temporarily halt her studies.
Adefowope, who gained admission in 2018, was diagnosed with the illness in 2022 while in the middle of her nursing programme. The diagnosis led her to defer four semesters as she began intensive treatment.
Her condition later required a bone marrow transplant, which she successfully underwent in May 2023. After her recovery journey progressed, she returned to campus in September 2023 to continue her studies.
Despite the long interruption and the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment, Adefowope completed her programme with outstanding results. She graduated this year with First Class Honours in Nursing, finishing at the top of her class and earning the College of Medicine’s Award of Excellence. She also qualified as a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife.
Her story gained public attention after her sister’s post on X went viral, showing Ameerah’s journey from cancer diagnosis to academic success. The post, which included before and after photos, drew thousands of reactions as Nigerians celebrated her resilience and determination.
LASU also highlighted her achievement in an official statement, describing her story as one of courage, perseverance, and remarkable academic excellence.
Adefowope’s journey from battling cancer, to undergoing major medical treatment, to returning to school and graduating with top honours has continued to inspire many across social media and within the medical and academic communities.
