Kenyan Doctor Named Best Black African Student in the UK
A Kenyan doctor has been named the best black African university student in the United Kingdom.
Elisha Ngetich, a Rhodes scholar currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Surgical Sciences at Oxford University, was ranked number one in this year’s Rare Rising Star Awards.
The annual awards celebrate the UK’s top 10 black African and Caribbean university students, who will inspire the next generation with their exceptional achievements.
Rare, a specialist diversity recruitment company, recognizes university students who have excelled academically and in business, charity, community, music, sport, and technology. Stars are usually marked for determination, depth of achievement, breadth of talent, initiative, and leadership.
“I am extremely delighted to win this award and greatly appreciate the efforts and sacrifices that so many people have made to get me here,” said Ngetich, a doctor and global health specialist.
In 2018, Ngetich was one of just two students selected nationally for the Rhodes scholarship at the University of Oxford.
The former University of Nairobi alumnus joined hands with friends in 2019 and co-founded the Integrated Cancer Research Foundation (ICRF) Kenya, an organization that seeks to reduce the burden of cancer and improve its management through evidence-based approaches.
He is also the co-founder of Iluu, a social impact organization aimed at addressing gender inequalities and improving access to education in marginalized communities in East Africa.
At Oxford, Ngetich serves on various Oxford University student boards and as President of Oxford University Africa Society, where he represents more than 400 African students and thousands of alumni.
“I hope that my story will inspire that little black boy in that remote or marginalized community to have a bold dream,” he said.
Comments (10)
Congrats! Keep blazing.
Felicitations. You are certainly a shining beacon of hope for the african child who might doubt his or her ability because of a deprived background.
Well, the white folks and the desired idea to make someone’s color isolate them among the pack of all the students (white, black, yellow, and in-between) remains a tool of hidden unspoken discrimination by the former British colonial masters and beyond!
I am sure the doctor was the best student among several skin color groups but the selecting committee ( mostly white members) had to put the word “black student” to covertly insinuate that several white students had performed better than the doctor! This happens all the time in many quarters across the white people’s world!
BS who cares
Obsession with one’s skin color is a mental disease perpetuated by the mentally sick people of some European people, especially the British. Brains 🧠 have no skin color.
I would be very unhappy for a white man to say that I am the brightest student as compared to the other black students! This doctor is in England! Right? Does it mean all the white students in his classes performed better than the doctor? Somethings makes you say huuuumm!!! White people and their prejudices are simply terrible!
I wonder if this black doctor says any problem with the statement about his academic achievement!
Negroe did good amongst other negroes not OTHERS
What was his average grade? C- average among the blacks while all the competing white students scored an A-??? Give us a break! We should not cerebrate hidden racism! The Dr should demand an apology and a ton load of explanation!
He should be awarded the title for being a great doctor not a black doctor.
Congrats congrats for all your achievements
Keep it up and may God keep blessing your and expanding your territories