Khaya Njumbe, a 15-year-old student from Indiana, is set to become the youngest-known college graduate in the state while also earning his high school degree simultaneously. Njumbe will be receiving his bachelor’s degree in general studies from Indiana University Northwest with aspirations of becoming a doctor. He began studying at IU Northwest when he was only 12, taking a combination of online and in-person classes while also participating in extracurricular activities like playing the piano and learning Chinese. Njumbe had enrolled at the university while taking dual-credit courses at 21st Century Charter High School in Gary, Indiana, where students can earn associate degrees before high school graduation.
Njumbe was able to accumulate enough college credits to earn his bachelor’s degree by challenging himself and pursuing an opportunity that no student before him had accomplished. He has already obtained three associate degrees in biology, liberal arts, and general studies from Ivy Tech. Njumbe is described by his professors as a serious student who consistently produces high-quality work and excels in his academic pursuits. His age has been a topic of fascination on campus, with instances of being mistaken for a professor’s grandson and accused of having a fake school ID while playing basketball at the gymnasium.
Njumbe’s parents, Belinda and David Njumbe, recognized their son’s exceptional abilities from a young age. He demonstrated an interest in education as early as 13 months old and showed signs of being advanced compared to his peers. Belinda Njumbe homeschooled her son for a period of time, and regardless of the difficulty level of the material, he was able to quickly progress through it. Njumbe’s passion for learning has been evident since he was a child, and he was always eager to expand his knowledge through various educational resources.
Despite labor laws delaying his plans to pursue a medical degree until he turns 18, Njumbe is determined to continue his education journey. He intends to enroll in a master’s program as preparation for medical school and ultimately aims to obtain a doctorate in biomedical engineering from IU Northwest by the age of 22. Njumbe’s dedication to his academic pursuits and his passion for learning have impressed those around him, with many envisioning a bright future for the young prodigy. His social worker, Theresa Canady, believes that Njumbe is capable of achieving all of his goals and even more, describing him as a motivated and talented student with limitless potential.