Khaya Njumbe, a 15-year-old student from Indiana, is set to become the youngest-known college graduate in the state. He will receive his bachelor’s degree in general studies from Indiana University Northwest, where he started studying at the age of 12. Njumbe also earned his high school degree from the 21st Century Charter High School in Gary, Indiana, taking online and in-person classes while participating in extracurricular activities like playing the piano and learning Chinese.
Njumbe is a true prodigy, having already earned three associate degrees in biology, liberal arts, and general studies from Ivy Tech. His professors at IU Northwest have praised him for being a serious and dedicated student who consistently produces great work. Despite his age, Njumbe has gained admiration across campus, often being mistaken for a professor’s grandson or being accused of having a fake school ID while playing basketball in the gymnasium.
Growing up, Njumbe’s parents recognized his exceptional abilities early on. He showed an interest in education from a very young age and was already reciting words from educational DVDs at 13 months old. His parents noted that Njumbe was always eager to learn and excelled in any material presented to him, completing entire grade levels in just a few months. His passion for knowledge led him to constantly seek out educational content, even watching YouTube videos late into the night.
Despite his impressive achievements, Njumbe’s journey toward becoming a doctor has hit a temporary pause due to labor laws that prevent him from pursuing a medical degree until he turns 18. However, he remains determined to continue his education and intends to find a master’s program as he prepares for medical school. His ultimate goal is to obtain a doctorate in biomedical engineering from IU Northwest by the time he reaches 22 years old.
Njumbe’s unwavering dedication to his education and his ambition to pursue a career in medicine have garnered admiration from his school’s community, with many believing that he has the potential to achieve great things in the future. His social worker at 21st Century School, Theresa Canady, expressed confidence in Njumbe’s abilities, saying that she sees him achieving his goals and reaching even greater heights in the future. As Njumbe continues his academic journey, the sky remains the limit for this remarkable young student.
