AFRICA | A determined Nigerian woman named Bola Adeoluwa has proved that no dream is too late to achieve after earning her PhD in Mass Communication from Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), one that took her to rewrite her WAEC at the age of 45.
The journey to achieving this dream took her 10 years, but she persevered. Her achievement was shared by her son, Eniloluwa Adeoluwa, who shared an emotional tribute on Instagram praising her determination, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in lifelong learning.
“My mum went back to write WAEC again because she needed Mathematics. At 45, she enrolled for another first degree just to make her dream possible,” Enioluwa wrote, describing her as the family’s greatest source of motivation.
Bola's Story and How She Did It
For many years, Bola wanted to earn a Phd, but the dream seemed out of reach. She had obtained her first degree in Education from Ondo State University, but the qualification could not secure her the academic progression she desired.
Determined to rewrite her story, she made a bold decision to start over. At 45, Bola rewrote the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) — the regional exam board responsible for assessing secondary education across West Africa.
She did this just to gain the Mathematics credit required for university admission. After that remarkable step, she enrolled for a second bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, but she did not stop there.
Bola went on to earn her first Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations at the University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD) and later pursued a second Master’s in Mass Communication at Afe Babalola University.
Along the way, she also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations, building an impressive academic profile driven by persistence and passion.
In 2025, after years of consistent hard work, Bola’s efforts finally culminated in success as she was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mass Communication by Afe Babalola University.
Celebrating the milestone on Facebook, she reflected on her decade-long pursuit of knowledge with deep gratitude and humility.
“I have spent most years of my life schooling! Two first degrees, two master’s, a postgraduate diploma, and now a PhD,” she wrote.
“Ten years ago, I decided to rewrite my story. I went back to write O-Level, started another degree, another master’s, and now a PhD. It’s been rough, tough, demanding, and challenging — but this is to resilience, audacity, and God’s grace,” she added.
She revealed that her PhD journey, which was expected to last two and a half years, stretched to four years due to various challenges, yet she never gave up.
“This Is to Resilience and God’s Grace” Dr. Bola, now proudly addressed as “Doctor,” shared that her success was fueled by her restlessness for growth, describing herself as “an average student but a restless one.”
She credited her husband, children, friends, and extended family for standing by her through the demanding academic years. “Today, I am wearing my smile, my dress, and my yellow tassel to the left — just as I imagined it,” she said with joy.
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