Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe, a 69-year-old retired civil servant turned pig farmer, has enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Ibadan — proving that age is no barrier to learning.
A Remarkable New Beginning
At 69, Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe became the centre of attention during the University of Ibadan’s Distance Learning Centre (DLC) matriculation ceremony held on Friday, where she took the oath of admission alongside more than 5,000 new students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The oath was administered by the university’s Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, during a colourful event that welcomed new learners into 16 academic programmes under the DLC.
Photos from the ceremony quickly went viral across social media on Saturday, earning Mrs. Akomolafe praise for her courage and lifelong commitment to education.
From Data Officer to Farmer — and Now a Student
According to a post on the University of Ibadan’s official Facebook page, Mrs. Akomolafe previously worked as a Data Processing Officer with R.T. Briscoe Motor Company before retirement. She later ventured into pig farming and flour distribution but never gave up her dream of earning a university degree.
Now a student of Social Work, she explained that the course would help her manage her non-governmental organisation, which focuses on community welfare and empowerment.
“Clad in her matriculation gown and cap, Mrs. Akomolafe wore a bright smile as cameras captured the moment she took her place among the newest members of Nigeria’s premier university,” the university noted in its post.
A Journey Spanning Five Decades
Born on December 22, 1956, Mrs. Akomolafe obtained her West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1976 from Government Secondary School, Creek Road, Port Harcourt.
Nearly fifty years later, she sat again for WASSCE and NECO in 2023 to secure the credits required for university admission — a feat that has inspired many younger Nigerians to pursue their educational dreams despite challenges.
UI Encourages Lifelong Learning
In his address to the new students, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, congratulated the matriculants and urged them to pursue excellence with focus and discipline.
Delivering his speech titled “Genuine Success is Achieved Through Deliberate Choices,” Professor Olapegba reminded students that they are “solely responsible for the outcomes they will realise in UI — a vibrant community where academic study is harmoniously balanced with social engagement.”
He added that true success would not be measured only by grades but by “the depth of insight, resilience, and positive impact” each student brings to society.
A Story of Resilience and Inspiration
Mrs. Akomolafe’s academic pursuit at 69 stands as a testament to lifelong learning, perseverance, and the belief that it’s never too late to chase one’s dreams.
Her story continues to trend online, inspiring countless Nigerians to return to school or pursue long-abandoned aspirations — a true reminder that education has no expiry date.
