AFRICA | A 69-year-old Nigerian woman named Kate Abosede Akomolafe proved that it is never too late to chase your dream as she returned to school after her retirement to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at the University of Ibadan (UI).
Her inspiring story captured the attention of the audience during the 2024/2025 Matriculation Ceremony of the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (DLC), where she stood proudly among over 5,000 new students, proving that age is never a barrier to education.
Kate's Story and How She Did It
Born in 1956, Kate’s educational journey began nearly five decades ago. She earned her West African School Certificate in 1976 from Government Secondary School, Port Harcourt.
Soon after, she began a long and successful career, eventually retiring as a Data Processing Officer at R.T. Briscoe Motor Company.
However, despite her professional success and years of service, Kate felt a deep desire to return to her academic dreams. In a remarkable act of commitment, she sat for both the WASSCE and NECO examinations again in 2023, decades after leaving secondary school — all to qualify for university admission
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However, despite her professional success and years of service, Kate felt a deep desire to return to her academic dreams.
Determined, she sat for both the WASSCE and NECO examinations again in 2023, decades after leaving secondary school, all to qualify for university admission.
Now a student of Social Work, Kate said her goal is to gain the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen her humanitarian work.
She currently runs a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) called Christ’s Care for the Widow, through which she provides support, comfort, and empowerment to widows in her community.
She believes studying Social work will help her manage and expand the NGO’s impact more effectively.
Speaking at the matriculation ceremony, she shared that her decision to return to school was motivated by her desire to grow intellectually and serve society better.
Despite her age, Mrs. Akomolafe remains affected by the academic challenge ahead. She has set her sights on graduating with First Class Honours at the end of her degree.
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