69-Year-Old Matriculates as Undergraduate at University of Ibadan

A 69-year-old woman, Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe, captivated attention at the University of Ibadan’s Distance Learning Centre (DLC) matriculation ceremony, held on Friday, as she took the oath alongside over 5,000 new students for the 2024/2025 academic session. Mrs. Akomolafe, a retired Data Processing Officer from R.T. Briscoe Motor Company, wore her matriculation gown and cap with pride and joy as she joined the ranks of Nigeria’s premier university undergraduates.

She has chosen to study Social Work, a field she believes will empower her to effectively manage her non-governmental organisation (NGO). Born on December 22, 1956, Mrs. Akomolafe originally earned her West African School Certificate in 1976 at Government Secondary School, Creek Road, Port Harcourt. Nearly five decades later, demonstrating remarkable determination, she re-sat for WASSCE and NECO examinations in 2023 to meet the credits necessary for university admission.

Formerly a flour distributor and currently a pig farmer, Mrs. Akomolafe’s academic journey is an inspiring testament to lifelong learning and resilience. The oath-taking was administered by the University Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, during a ceremony that welcomed students into sixteen different programmes available at the DLC.

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In his address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter O. Olapegba, urged all matriculants to pursue excellence with deliberate effort and to uphold the university’s values. He reminded the students that their conduct and engagement would shape their academic and social experience and that the university maintains zero tolerance for misconduct.

Mrs. Akomolafe’s story quickly gained widespread attention on social media, drawing admiration for her unwavering commitment to higher education later in life and symbolizing hope for many who aspire to return to school regardless of age.