He is one of the most decorated individuals Africa’s ever seen. Born in 1968 in a southern Nigeria. He started his Primary school at the age of 3, attended medical school starting at the age of 16 at the University of Nigeria. Omalu holds 8 advanced degrees and board certificates. He moved to America in 1994
In 2002 Dr Omalu discovered Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) this is after he has conducted an autopsy on a former NFL player, even though the brain looked normal under autopsy scans, Dr Omalu conducted an independent and self-financed study that led to the discovery of CTE, publishing his findings in a Neurosurgery journal that received a lot of negative and resistance from the NFL. His findings being labeled a failure and completely wrong, and he was requested to retract his findings.
He continued to research 4 similar cases, in December 2009 7 years after his first discovery the NFL finally publicly acknowledged the link between concussion sustained in football and CTE.
He is a hero, a legend and one of Africa’s sons. With a foundation named after him, The Bennet Omalu foundation funds research, raises awareness, provides care and finds cures for people with CTE.
Don’t forget to watch the movie Concussion based on his life.
