Meet one of the youngest qualified doctors in South Africa

On 11 December 2025, 21-year-old David Obagbuwa graduated with an MBChB from Stellenbosch University (SU), becoming one of the youngest medical doctors to qualify in South Africa. 

Obagbuwa moved to South Africa with his family when he was 11, attending the Kharwastan Secondary School in Durban.

Due to a misunderstanding, he was placed in Grade 9. He coped so well that the school allowed him to continue, and it soon became second nature for him to study alongside people much older than him.

Obagbuwa began his medical education at only 15 years old. Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, he joined the 2020 intake of medical students.

Despite the difficulties of his young age and beginning his studies amid the COVID pandemic, he persevered. “It’s a dream that has indeed come true, but it feels surreal” said Obagbuwa.

“This achievement is a testament to the mentorship, support, and world-class education I’ve received from the Stellenbosch community.”

“I’m incredibly grateful and it feels truly special to now reach the end of this journey with the same institution that believed in my potential from the very beginning,” he added.

Obagbuwa has been placed at the Phologong Hospital in Gauteng’s East Rand for his internship, where he hopes to explore specialisation options which will determine his future career path.

“I’ve grown to appreciate every aspect of medicine, and I’m also interested in research,” he notes.

“I’m keen to implement everything I’ve learned so that I can contribute to South Africa’s healthcare system. I want to be the best doctor I can be for every patient who crosses my path.”

Sights set on Stellies from a young age

From a remarkably early age, Obagbuwa knew exactly where he wanted to study and threw himself into earning a place in Stellenbosch University’s acclaimed medical programme.

But starting university at just 15 came with complications beyond academics.

“At first, it was exciting to get into medical school. But walking into lecture halls and libraries and being the youngest person in every room was also intimidating,” he recalls.

The isolation of COVID-19 only heightened those pressures.

“The pandemic separated us and we had to do everything online, so it affected my social life. When we resumed in 2021, I was able to integrate in the university community and focus on work and learning from others.”

“Everything fell into place and eventually age stopped being the defining feature about me. I became just another student mastering the art of science and medicine.”

He describes encountering the usual hurdles of medical training, demanding coursework, long hours, bouts of self-doubt and, at times, imposter syndrome.

“There were times when I thought I’m so young and have to meet all these expectations. But then I’d tell myself it’s less about my age, and more about consistency, accountability and reactions.”

Despite the difficult stretches, he says the rewarding moments ultimately dominated. Careful planning, clear targets and a willingness to push through tough patches became his formula for staying on track.

“Showing up even when it was hard made all the difference. I sometimes pulled all-nighters to meet academic requirements. Balancing work with hobbies like going to gym stopped me from burning out.”

When he was not studying, he gravitated towards the outdoors — hiking, playing football, watching rugby — or sinking into podcasts on metaphysics, moral philosophy and medical ethics.