AFRICA | A 61-year-old Nigerian woman named Mosunmola Kudirat Ariwoola has achieved her lifelong dream by earning a PhD in Educational Technology from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).
Mosunmola was born at a time when female education was not a priority, and as a result, she could not attend school as a child. However, with sheer determination and resilience, she took it upon herself to return to school at the age of 20.
“It was by myself that I traveled back to my hometown to ask to be enrolled in a school at the age of 20. I had no one to motivate or encourage me but I knew what I wanted, so I stuck to it,” she said.
Despite her late start, she pursued her education relentlessly, eventually reaching an academic height she never imagined—earning a doctorate degree.
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When asked how she overcame the challenges of a rigorous PhD program, Kudirat credited her determination, strong will, and support system.
Frankly, my determination got me this far. A Ph.D program is very tasking and demanding, more so if you are an older person like myself. But my strong will, determination, and the support I got from my children helped me to this level,” Mosunmola said.
”I have to give adorations to Almighty Allah because, without God, it would not have been possible,” she replied with excitement,” she said.
Now a PhD holder, Mosunmola feels fulfilled. She hopes her journey will inspire all other women to chase their dreams no matter the challenges.
“My advice for women is that there’s no limit to what you can achieve. But you have to be diligent, focused and prayerful. I grew up at a time when female education wasn’t prioritized but I never let that hold me back,” Mosunmola said.
“Also, there’s no deadline for any aspiration. Whatever you dream of, you can start working towards it at any age, especially for women. We should let the world know that we need more equal rights and empowerment for women, especially in educating and upskilling them,” she said.
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