23-year-old becomes medical doctor, says ‘success sucked first’

For many people, becoming a doctor is the destination. For 23-year-old Dr. Oamen Samuel Osehoje, popularly known in music circles as Benny Zanda, it is the beginning of another chapter.

There were tears of joy as the young doctor was inducted into the medical profession after earning his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Babcock University on June 22, 2026, at the university’s amphitheatre.

The occasion was especially emotional for Osehoje and his family. Just a year earlier, he had attended the same venue to celebrate the induction of his twin doctor cousins. This time, it was his turn to wear the white coat.

Born in Bonny, Rivers State, Osehoje has lived in Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Cross River, Lagos and overseas at different stages of his life. He also celebrated his 23rd birthday on January 28, sharing the date with American rapper J. Cole, and admitted that his greatest birthday wish this year was for it to be his last as a medical student.

Speaking on the tension that preceded his final examinations, the new doctor revealed that fear became one of his greatest motivators.

“While my different study groups and I were preparing, my strategy was what I called ‘Operation Folio Number.’ For almost a month before the examinations, I kept dreaming that I had missed my induction ceremony. By May, sleep had practically disappeared from my eyes because of preparations for the mock and final examinations which ended in June.

“Medicine and Community Medicine were not my biggest concerns because I had strong continuous assessment scores in those courses. Surgery was the one I feared the most. By God’s grace, I passed Surgery too, and today I’m a doctor.”

He added with a smile that he had prepared himself emotionally for any outcome.

“When I eventually passed, I remembered that I had joked on my WhatsApp status that if I failed, I would simply console myself with the thought that people would one day use my songs in talent shows. Some of my friends laughed, others encouraged me. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that.”

Describing medical school as one of the most demanding experiences of his life, Osehoje said the programme required enormous sacrifice.

“Medical school took a lot from me. I missed my elder brother’s wedding because it fell within the week of my first medical board professional examination. There were many other sacrifices because of the demanding academic calendar.

“Somehow, I still found time to make music and build businesses. Between 2018 and 2021, my investors and I lost about ₦7 million. We almost quit, but we persevered, and today those businesses are doing well. I also have my MBBS, and I hope to add a business degree because I’m interested in private equity.”

Recounting his academic journey, he disclosed that he entered Babcock University in August 2018 at the age of 15 with Medicine as his first choice and Software Engineering as his second.

His journey, however, was far from smooth. He failed his first 100-level examinations and repeated the year before progressing into pre-clinical studies. He also repeated his first medical board examinations before entering the clinical phase of his training.

“From 400 Level to 600 Level, I didn’t repeat another class. Financially, things were not easy, especially with my sister’s education. Somewhere along the line, someone told me, ‘You’re a company; be profitable.’ From then on, I started referring to myself as a profitable investment.

“God came through for us. Now that I’ve become a doctor, I can return to ensuring that Moneycetamol, Bread and Olamide by Benny Zanda are on everybody’s lips—after housemanship.”

His induction message on LinkedIn and Facebook quickly attracted attention because of one unusual phrase: “Success sucked first.”

Explaining the expression, he said: “The journey took seven years and eight months. We may not be where we want to be, but we are no longer where we started.
“‘Success sucked first’ simply means you cannot skip the struggle to get to the victory. To earn the part of success that shines, you must first survive the part that hurts. Great achievements are usually preceded by painful growth, failure and intense struggle. The glamorous finish line requires enduring a messy and discouraging starting line.”

Looking beyond medicine, Osehoje said he hopes to combine three passions.

“I’m interested in medicine, private equity and music, so I’ll see if I can successfully do all three together.”

He also shared his philosophy on relationships.

“A wise man once said if you chase women, you’ll always lose money, but if you chase money, women will always be around. My own view is different. I believe you should stay with someone you choose and who also chooses you, despite imperfections, because love is not necessarily blind.”

The young doctor reserved his longest remarks for gratitude.
He thanked God for seeing him through the journey and expressed appreciation to his parents, Prof. Adeola Fowotade, mentors, family members and numerous supporters who stood by him from admission to induction.

He paid tribute to lecturers including Neurosurgeon Dr. Eghosa Morgan, General Surgeon Dr. Elemile, Gastroenterologist Prof. Jemilohun and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Pastor Prof. Sotunsa for their mentorship and encouragement.

He also acknowledged dozens of senior colleagues, classmates, study partners, healthcare professionals and friends—including those who shared lecture notes, participated in study groups, offered financial, spiritual and emotional support, and encouraged him through difficult moments. He also remembered the late Dr. Oghenevwaere Diaso, whom he described as both a senior colleague and friend.

Ending his appreciation, Osehoje said becoming a doctor was not a personal achievement alone but the product of collective sacrifice.
“It really takes a village.”