13-year-old becomes youngest African American to graduate college with degree in computer science and cybersecurity: family

Elijah Muhammad has become the youngest African American to graduate college with a degree in computer science and cybersecurity, his family has said. Muhammad made history by crossing the stage as a college graduate at the age of 13, WLOX News reported. The history-maker also has 10 IBM certifications, a Google IT certification, and four diplomas from Oklahoma City Community College.

“I currently attend OSU [Ohio State University] and I’m working on my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and forensics. I also attend Langston with a 4.0,” Muhammad said. 

Despite his many achievements, he doesn’t forget to have fun as other teens do — he goes swimming and plays basketball. The Oklahoma native achieved a commendable feat last year after he became the youngest Black college student in the state at age 12. In an interview with KFOR, Muhammad, who was then a freshman at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), said his classmates’ reaction when he told them his age during his first lecture was that of shock.

And though Muhammad’s achievement is laudable, he’s not the only person in his family to attain this academic milestone. His sister Shania enrolled at OCCC when she was just 13. And besides being the youngest person to gain admission at the time, Shania also became the college’s youngest graduate. She was 14 when she graduated. Their father said at the time that the two siblings liked going against each other. “When he sees her accomplish certain things, he’s like I’m up next and I can do it,” Elijah Sr said. “We are the cheering section for our scholars.”

Outside academics, 13-year-old Muhammad runs a clothing line and is a three-time wrestling State champion.