AFRICA | 73-year-old Nigerian woman, Florence Nwando Onwusi Didigu, has proven that age is no barrier to achieving one’s dreams.
She earned her Doctorate in Communication, Culture, and Media Studies from Howard University in the United States, fulfilling a lifelong goal.
Florence’s doctoral studies was shaped by her own experiences as a survivor of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)—a conflict between the Igbo people and the Nigerian government.
Her dissertation, titled:“Igbo Collective Memory of the Nigeria-Biafra War (1967–1970): Reclaiming Forgotten Women’s Voices and Building Peace through a Gendered Lens” focused on amplifying the voices of Igbo women, whose stories have often been overlooked in historical narratives.
Follow Naija Scholars on WhatsApp to see more amazing stories from Nigerians
During the course of her studies, Florence faced numerous challenges, including the loss of both parents during her studies and an illness that temporarily robbed her of her voice.
Though it is her fourth degree, Florence admitted that the achievement was bittersweet as her father, who had always dreamed of seeing her as a “Doctor,” was not alive to witness it.
“In my second year at Howard, and very close to my screening test, I lost my mother and my father within months,” Florence said.
“I had to return to Nigeria each time to perform the demanding burial ceremonies for each. I was completely deflated, both physically and emotionally, but I persevered because my father always wanted me to be a ‘Doctor,” she added.
Beyond personal loss, she also battled a severe case of shingles, which caused paralysis on the right side of her face and temporarily took away her voice. However, Florence saw this obstacle as symbolic—since her life’s mission is to elevate the voices of other Igbo women.
Reflecting on the end of the Nigeria-Biafra War, Florence recalled a powerful moment of realization that shaped her resilience.
”The day the Nigeria-Biafra War ended, I, like everyone was wallowing in anxiety and fear about what would happen to us as the vanquished. A very optimistic gentleman came over to me and asked: ‘Why are you so sad; can’t you see you have survived this terrible war?’ she said.
Florence immediately celebrated her survival, proclaiming, “Yes, I have survived, I am a survivor!” This survival instinct, coupled with her belief in God, enabled her to overcome personal obstacles during her doctoral studies and achieve her current success.
Now that she has her PhD, PhD, Florence is continuing with her education pursiut. She has enrolled in more professional courses and hopes to become a professor, continuing her research and scholarly writings.
Receive Scholarship Updates through our Social Media Channels:
- WhatsApp: Naija Scholars
- Facebook: Scholars Region
- Twitter: @scholarsregion
- Telegram: Scholarship Region