As 2024 draws to a close, my hands are full of deadlines, but I cannot sacrifice my love of life—writing pieces on topical issues. Several issues are craving for attention: tax reform, petroleum pricing, and NNPCL shenanigan, some politicians dancing naked in a market square, death of some hungry compatriots in stumped trying to receive handouts, called palliative and the rest. As I was pitying Ms Kemi Badenock for her gross inferiority complex for castigating her motherland, Nigeria, I came across the story of Samuel Olalekan Akinyemi. My Nigerian-ness blazed up like wildfire, and I could not help but share the story with my esteemed readers. I am an ardent believer in Nigeria and love it with all my strength; except for my relationship with my creator, the Almighty Allah, my emotional prowess is centered on Nigeria. It is not a perfect country, but it was specially created to be great and is still evolving. Is Nigeria a great country?
Nigeria is 64 years old as an independent nation, free from colonialism, and 110 years old as a nation called Nigeria. The amalgamation of British colonies, northern and southern protectorates, as a single country, Nigeria, in 1914, was done by fiat without consultation with the people. Under colonization, the land, contents, and people were considered booties of the colonial masters. Some people felt, and still think, that the amalgamation was an “accident of history,” which shouldn’t have been; how can over “200 nations” be fiercely jam-packed as “one nation”? Nevertheless, the country survived the political, religious, and tribal turmoil, plundering, and kleptomania over many decades, still wearing the toga of the potentially “great nation of the 21st century.”
The saying “on the same level, half-full is better than half-empty” depicts the global image of Nigeria. The equation, events at home, poor governance exacerbated by kleptocracy and massive insecurity, and a few dedicated, hardworking Nigerians are balanced by bad ambassadors and many dedicated Nigerians abroad. No matter how bad we feel about our country, we should be comforted by watching and hearing about dedicated and honest Nigerians excelling at home and overseas. This makes us think our nation’s developmental trajectory is trending towards “half-full” rather than “half-empty.” Who are these great Nigerians who make us proud? Samuel Olalekan Akinyemi is undoubtedly one of the most nuanced personalities globally.
Dr. Samuel Olalekan Akinyemi, a Nigerian-born doctor, once toiled as a laborer on construction sites before embarking on a transformative journey. His recent breakthrough in discovering a pioneering cancer vaccine in Russia is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the global battle against cancer. Born in 1994, Dr. Akinyemi, now a 30-year-old oncologist at the Ufa Clinic of the Bashkir State Medical University, has defied all odds. His journey, from the streets of Lagos to global medical acclaim, is a story of sheer determination and resilience.
Dr. Akinyemi attended United Methodist Grammar School for his secondary education and completed. Inspired by his father’s profession, he initially pursued his undergraduate studies in civil engineering.
During an interview with Report Africa, Dr. Akinyemi shared his journey: “I followed in my father’s footsteps into construction, although I have always wanted to become a doctor. After finishing my Studies at University, I could have gone to Turkey or Finland. But when I learned about the Recruitment of Applicants to be Sent to Russian Medical Universities, I realized that This Was My Chance.” In 2012, he completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria before moving to Russia in 2015 to study medicine at Bashkir State Medical University in Ufa. His academic prowess and dedication to his studies are truly commendable.
His parents were very supportive, agreeing to fund his education. He studied Russian for six months in Volgograd under the guidance of a Nigerian curator recruiting applicants. There, he learned the Russian language for six months. In interviews, Dr. Akinyemi has expressed gratitude for the support of his parents throughout his educational journey. He enjoys working at the BSMU Clinic due to its modern equipment and supportive colleagues. During his tenure at the university, Dr. Akinyemi demonstrated a keen interest in urology and oncology, which later became the focal point of his research and professional career. His commitment to these specialties is evident through his numerous publications and contributions to the medical field. In 2021, Samuel received Russian citizenship.
On December 13-14, 2019, he participated in the 10th Volga Region Surgery Olympiad at Samara State Medical University. In the “Craniotomy” competition, he placed second.
Dr. Akinyemi has conducted extensive research into cancer treatments and vaccines and has published numerous research papers and articles. He is multilingual, speaking German (Deutsch), Russian, Yoruba, and English.
Vaccine development is mostly teamwork, with each participating scientist benefitting from the credit. The innovative cancer vaccines aim to provide tailored solutions for individual patients, marking a significant shift in cancer treatment. Pioneered by leading institutions and bolstered by state funding, this ambitious endeavor highlights Russia’s commitment to advancing medical science amidst growing challenges in cancer care. The vaccine’s innovation lies in its precision. By analyzing a malignant tumor’s genetic and molecular characteristics, scientists can craft a therapeutic agent that “teaches” the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Russian oncologists have emphasized the complexity and potential of these vaccines. With RNA technology, the vaccine trains the body’s cells to produce proteins that mimic those found in cancer cells. These proteins act as signals for the immune system, prompting cytotoxic lymphocytes—specialized immune cells—to target and destroy the tumors. Dr Samuel Olalekan Akinyemi played a massive role in this stage as the only foreign robotic surgeon in Russia.
Dr. Akinyemi is a highly esteemed figure who has received the most prestigious global accolades in his career in his second country, Russia. He stands as a shining example of Nigerian excellence, with many others like him from different parts of Nigeria: the east, west, and north. His remarkable achievements, both in Nigeria and abroad, are a source of immense pride for us all.
