At just 23 years old, Dr. Oamen Samuel Osehoje has achieved what many spend years striving for. Known in music circles as Benny Zanda, the newly inducted medical doctor says earning his medical degree is not the end of his journey but the start of an exciting new phase filled with bigger dreams.
Joy and celebration filled the atmosphere on June 22, 2026, as Osehoje was officially inducted into the medical profession after obtaining his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Babcock University. The ceremony, held at the university’s amphitheatre, marked the successful completion of a challenging academic journey that tested his determination and resilience.
The occasion carried special meaning for his family. Exactly one year earlier, he had sat in the same venue to celebrate the induction of his twin cousins into the medical profession. This time, he proudly stepped forward to receive his own white coat.
Born in Bonny, Rivers State, Osehoje has lived in several parts of Nigeria, including Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ogun, Osun, Cross River and Lagos, while also spending part of his life abroad. Earlier this year, he celebrated his 23rd birthday on January 28, a date he shares with American rapper J. Cole. According to him, his greatest birthday wish was to celebrate his final birthday as a medical student, a wish that has now become reality.
Looking back at the weeks leading to his final examinations, Osehoje admitted that anxiety became one of the strongest forces that pushed him to work harder.
He explained that while preparing with different study groups, he created what he called “Operation Folio Number.” For nearly a month before the examinations, he repeatedly dreamed of missing his induction ceremony. As the examinations drew closer in May, sleepless nights became part of his daily routine as he prepared for both the mock and final examinations, which concluded in June.
Although he felt confident about Medicine and Community Medicine because of his strong continuous assessment scores, Surgery remained his greatest concern. Passing the subject, he said, was one of the biggest moments of relief in his academic journey, and by God’s grace, he eventually qualified as a doctor.
He revealed that he had mentally prepared himself for every possible outcome. In fact, he jokingly posted on his WhatsApp status that if things did not go as planned, he would simply take comfort in knowing that people might one day perform his songs during talent competitions. While friends laughed at the joke and others encouraged him, he expressed gratitude that the situation never became reality.
Describing medical school as one of the toughest experiences of his life, Osehoje said the programme demanded sacrifices that extended beyond academics.
He recalled missing his elder brother’s wedding because it coincided with his first professional medical board examination. That was only one of several personal moments he had to give up because of the demanding schedule required to complete his medical training.
Despite the pressure, he still found time to pursue music and build businesses. Between 2018 and 2021, he and his investors lost about ₦7 million in business ventures. Rather than giving up, they remained committed, and those businesses have since recovered and are now performing successfully.
He also revealed his desire to expand his knowledge beyond medicine by pursuing a business degree, explaining that he has developed a strong interest in private equity.
His academic journey began in August 2018 when he gained admission into Babcock University at the age of 15. Medicine was his preferred course, while Software Engineering was his second choice.
The road, however, was far from smooth. He failed his first year examinations and had to repeat the academic session before progressing into the pre clinical stage of his studies. He also repeated his first medical board examinations before eventually advancing into clinical training.
From his fourth year through his final year, he successfully completed every stage without repeating another class. Financial challenges also affected the family, particularly with the cost of his sister’s education. During that difficult period, someone told him, “You’re a company; be profitable.”
That advice changed his mindset completely. From then on, he began to see himself as a profitable investment, a perspective he believes helped shape his determination.
Now officially a doctor, Osehoje says he is eager to continue growing his music career after completing his compulsory housemanship. He hopes more people will discover songs such as Moneycetamol, Bread and Olamide, all released under his stage name, Benny Zanda.
His induction announcement on LinkedIn and Facebook quickly gained attention because of one memorable statement that accompanied it: “Success sucked first.”
Explaining the phrase, he said the journey lasted seven years and eight months, reminding people that while they may not have reached every goal, they should never forget how far they have already come.
According to him, the statement reflects the reality that lasting success almost always begins with hardship. Before enjoying the rewards that everyone admires, people must first endure disappointment, setbacks, painful growth and relentless effort. Behind every remarkable achievement is usually a difficult beginning that few people get to see.
Beyond medicine, Osehoje hopes to build a future where he can successfully combine his three greatest passions, which are medicine, private equity and music.
He also shared his personal thoughts on relationships. While acknowledging a popular saying that encourages people to focus on financial success before romance, he said his own belief is different. He believes lasting relationships are built when two people deliberately choose each other despite their flaws, adding that genuine love goes beyond appearances and imperfections.
As he reflected on his journey, gratitude remained at the centre of his message.
He thanked God for guiding him through every stage of medical school and expressed deep appreciation to his parents, Prof. Adeola Fowotade, mentors, relatives and everyone who supported him from the day he gained admission until his induction into the medical profession.
He also acknowledged several lecturers whose guidance shaped his development, including neurosurgeon Dr. Eghosa Morgan, general surgeon Dr. Elemile, gastroenterologist Prof. Jemilohun and consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Pastor Prof. Sotunsa.
Osehoje further appreciated senior colleagues, classmates, study partners, healthcare professionals and friends who contributed to his success in different ways. He thanked those who shared study materials, participated in reading sessions, provided financial assistance, offered prayers, encouragement and emotional support during difficult moments.
He equally paid tribute to the late Dr. Oghenevwaere Diaso, describing the deceased as both a respected senior colleague and a cherished friend whose memory continues to inspire him.
