Umola Onoja: A rare blend of artistry

Umolaojo Onoja is 23 years old. She recently qualified as a medical doctor from Bingham University, a private university in Nasarawa state. She exudes warmth at all times, and she loves to paint. Her father’s office is inundated with her remarkable paintings. And he tells visitors that the paintings were his daughter’s handiwork, a medical student. 

There is always a wow on how a medical student would have the time to combine studies and artistic paintings simultaneously. This is the story of Umolaojo, the daughter of Chief (Dr) Ogwu James Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). She displayed ingenuity throughout her studies, a feat that made her parents proud.

She was the best graduating medical student in Anatomy, best graduating medical student in physiology, best graduating medical student in Biochemistry, best graduating medical student in paediatrics, best graduating medical student in Obstetrics and Gynecology, best graduating medical student in Surgery, best graduating female medical student, and the overall best graduating medical student. I almost ran out of steam.

There is another side of Umola that is as astonishing as her feats in medical school. Painting is her passion, and this was noticed in her early years. She would paint everything in the house. She also concentrated on her studies with no distractions. But it came at a price. It was tough for her. There were days she felt like calling it quits. She struggled for eight years for a course that was meant to be five years.

Guess what? Umola believes the achievement is now in the past tense, and she is ready to face the future. She says, “Pray, believe in yourself and your parents, and keep good company. I didn’t see my results for eight years, as customary. You are only notified when you don’t meet the academic criteria. But God kept and preserved me from distractions”

Umola is a convergence of arts and science. Creativity helps develop new ideas about the world when results don’t fit with what we know about the world. Umola has achieved this at just 23 years of age: a qualified medical doctor and a budding creative artist.

Her father mentioned that she conveys her ideas and emotions through painting. I have seen several of her works, and they are creative. I asked her father how she does what she does alongside her studies. He struggled to answer. He, too, is in awe. At some point, he feared that she was too engrossed in her paintings and that her medical studies might suffer. But she proved him wrong with her award as the best graduating medical student.

Umola is a rare blend of artistry and lesson for young people to believe in their dreams always. Painting comes naturally to Umola, and she does it effortlessly. She went to medical school, but it didn’t deter her from her passion for painting. That is indicative that she is a rare blend that should be celebrated. And the accolades have been in good supply.

The chairman of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs and Paramount Ruler of Igala Kingdom, His Excellent Majesty Agabiadu, Mathew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, sent her a congratulatory message. Other well-meaning Nigerians sent in, too. She fervently believed that God would crown her efforts with glory. And it came to pass.

Umola is an enigma. She combined creativity and brilliance. And the result is what is celebrated today. This story for young people is that the world is their oyster if they devote time to their dreams. Make no mistakes; Umola is not a fluke because she is from a privileged background. She was intentional about what she wanted, and she followed through with the encouragement of her parents. In her final year, she spent three days in bed overwhelmed. A fellow student charged her to leave bed and face her reality. It was challenging and indicates that success comes with a price.

Umola is also a keyboardist. She formed a group with her sister in 2005 under the stage name SHARONROSE SINGERS. Their album titled African Child was released in 2005. She was five years old at the time. She indeed has many sides and a rare blend of ingenuity.

There are lessons from her story. The dedication and ability to stay focused are worth celebrating. Umola is just one out of millions out there who are exceptional. Whatever decision she makes with her career path will come out well. As a medical doctor, she would be brilliant. As a creative artist, she would also be brilliant. And if she elects to combine both, then expect magic to happen. This is the beginning of an exceptional journey for her.

I want to congratulate her, her parents and all who encouraged her in one way or another. She has made herself, her siblings and her parents proud. Lest I forget, she is also a Sunday school teacher. There is just something about her—a combination of many things in one body. The Onoja’s are a rare blend. Please join me in celebrating the exceptional Umolaojo.

In Igala dialect, Umolaojo is the wisdom of God. And she has proven it. There is always a price for everything. Umola is a case study that success becomes inevitable when preparation meets opportunity.

The story of Umola should serve as an inspiration to young folks out there. Be intentional and study to show yourself approved.

Ocheja, a military historian and doctoral researcher, can be reached via [email protected]