Jemima Osunde is one of the most refreshing and multi-talented young stars to emerge from Nigeria in recent years.
An actress, model, TV presenter, and a qualified physiotherapist all at once, she is the rare celebrity who balances the glamour of entertainment with the discipline of a medical profession.
Best known for her breakout role as Leila in the popular MTV Shuga television series and her critically acclaimed performance in the 2018 film The Delivery Boy, Jemima has established herself as one of Nollywood’s most promising young talents.
Her story is one of ambition, balance, and the belief that a person can truly excel in multiple fields at the same time.
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Jemima Osunde: History · Bio · Photo
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Full Name: | Jemima Osunde |
| Born: | 30 April 1996 |
| Age: | 30 years old |
| Birthplace: | Lagos, Nigeria |
| State of Origin: | Edo State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupation: | Actress, Model, TV Presenter, Physiotherapist |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Father – Retired Judge; Mother – Former Ministry of Education official |
| Siblings: | 3 older brothers |
| Relationship: | Single (keeps personal life private) |
| Net Worth: | $100,000 – $500,000 |
Early Life
Jemima Osunde was born on April 30, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria. She hails from Edo State, making her an Edo native, though she grew up entirely in Lagos. She is the last child and only daughter of her parents, raised alongside three older brothers in a family that placed great value on education and public service.
Her father is a retired judge, a fact that speaks to the intellectual and professional environment she grew up in, while her mother previously worked with the Lagos State Ministry of Education.
Growing up as the only girl in the family, Jemima developed a strong, independent spirit from a young age. She was academically inclined and showed early signs of versatility, curious about both the sciences and the arts.
It was her uncle who first encouraged her to explore acting, suggesting that her outgoing personality and expressive nature made her a natural fit for entertainment. She took that advice seriously and began auditioning while still a student at the University of Lagos.
Education
Jemima Osunde had all of her pre-university education in Lagos State. She attended Air Force Primary School for her primary education, and proceeded to the prestigious Holy Child College in Lagos for her secondary school education.
After completing her secondary schooling, she gained admission to the College of Medicine at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where she pursued a degree in Physiotherapy.
Despite balancing acting auditions and productions alongside her studies, she graduated successfully with a degree in Physiotherapy in 2019, a significant achievement that not many entertainers can boast of.
Upon graduation, she further completed her mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, which she began in June 2021. She currently works as a physiotherapist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
Career
Jemima Osunde began her acting journey in 2014 at the age of 18, when she began going for auditions during her first year at the University of Lagos.
Her first role came through producer Ufuoma McDermott, who cast her in the movie Jungle Jewel, marking her feature film debut.
While Jungle Jewel opened the door, it was her casting in the fourth series of the internationally acclaimed MTV Shuga television series that truly launched her into the spotlight. She played the character Leila with such authenticity and emotional depth that she quickly became a fan favourite.
When the Shuga series moved to South Africa for its fifth edition, Jemima was written out for one season, only to return triumphantly for the sixth series when production moved back to Nigeria. She also appeared in the seventh series, Alone Together, alongside an ensemble of talented African actors.
In 2018, she starred in Ndani TV’s second series of Rumour Has It alongside veteran actress Linda Ejiofor. That same year, she delivered what many critics consider her finest performance to date in the film The Delivery Boy, a gritty, socially conscious drama directed by Adekunle Adejuyigbe.
Her nuanced performance in that film earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the prestigious 15th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), one of the most coveted recognitions in African cinema.
She went on to appear in other notable productions, including the blockbuster Lion’s Heart (2018), co-starring alongside legend Genevieve Nnaji, and Quam’s Money (2018). Her acting career has continued to grow, with each project cementing her reputation as one of Nollywood’s brightest and most versatile young talents.
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 15th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) | Best Actress in a Leading Role | The Delivery Boy | Nominated |
Social Media
Jemima Osunde is active on social media and uses her platforms to connect with fans and promote her work.
- Instagram: @jemimaosunde
- X (Twitter): @JemimaOsunde
Personal Life
Jemima Osunde is known for maintaining a very private personal life, especially when it comes to romantic relationships.
As of 2025, she has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship, and details of her dating life remain largely unknown to the public.
She has spoken in various interviews about the importance of maintaining a balance between her medical career and her entertainment career, a balance she has navigated with remarkable poise. She continues to work as a physiotherapist at LUTH while also actively pursuing her acting career in Nollywood.
Standing at a height of approximately 5 feet 5 inches, she is known for her natural beauty and disarming smile that have made her a sought-after brand ambassador as well.
Net Worth
Jemima Osunde has two income-generating careers, acting and physiotherapy, which together provide her with a solid financial foundation.
Her acting engagements in films, television series, and endorsement deals contribute significantly to her income, while her work as a physiotherapist at LUTH adds professional credibility and additional earnings.
Her estimated net worth is in the range of $100,000 to $500,000, and is expected to grow significantly as her acting career continues to ascend.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Jungle Jewel | Film | Debut film |
| 2015–2021 | MTV Shuga | TV Series | Played Leila (Series 4, 6, 7) |
| 2018 | Rumour Has It (Season 2) | TV Series (Ndani TV) | Starred alongside Linda Ejiofor |
| 2018 | The Delivery Boy | Film | AMAA-nominated performance |
| 2018 | Lion’s Heart | Film | With Genevieve Nnaji |
| 2018 | Quam’s Money | Film | Sequel to New Money |
Conclusion
Jemima Osunde stands as a remarkable example of what is possible when talent is matched with discipline and determination.
In an industry where many young stars rise and fade quickly, she has shown the rare ability to grow steadily while simultaneously managing a professional medical career.
Her AMAA nomination, her standout roles in The Delivery Boy and Lion’s Heart, and her continued presence on Nollywood’s biggest stages all point to a future that is both bright and enduring. Jemima Osunde is not just a face in Nollywood she is a force to be reckoned with.

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