a 69-year-old woman, Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe, has officially joined the 2024/2025 cohort of undergraduate students at the University of Ibadan (UI). Her participation in the university’s recent matriculation ceremony has become a symbol of resilience, determination, and the true spirit of lifelong learning.
Her journey not only redefines the boundaries of education in Nigeria but also inspires a generation of older adults to see that age should never be a barrier to academic pursuit. At a time when many would consider education a distant memory, Mrs. Akomolafe chose to begin a new chapter—proving that learning has no expiry date.
A Trailblazing Freshman at 69
During the University of Ibadan’s matriculation ceremony held for its Distance Learning Centre (DLC) students, Mrs. Akomolafe stood tall among thousands of new intakes. Dressed in her matriculation gown, she proudly recited the matriculation oath alongside other freshmen, marking the beginning of her academic journey as a first-year student of Social Work.
The ceremony, which saw over 5,000 new students matriculate into 16 academic programmes, was not just an institutional formality—it was a moment of inspiration. While many students were in their late teens and twenties, Mrs. Akomolafe’s presence became the highlight of the day. Her determination resonated across social media platforms as her photos quickly went viral, drawing admiration from Nigerians and education advocates across the globe.
Who Is Kate Bosede Akomolafe?
Born on December 22, 1956, Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe hails from Nigeria’s southwest and has lived a full professional and personal life before deciding to return to the classroom. She attended Government Secondary School, Creek Road, Port Harcourt, where she obtained her West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1976.
After decades of working life, she retired as a Data Processing Officer at R.T. Briscoe Motor Company, one of Nigeria’s well-known automotive and engineering firms. Not one to remain idle, she ventured into entrepreneurship as a pig farmer and later became a flour distributor. Yet, despite her achievements in business and community life, she still longed for one unfulfilled dream—earning a university degree.
Her Return to Education After Nearly 50 Years
Nearly five decades after leaving secondary school, Mrs. Akomolafe made the courageous decision to pursue higher education. In 2023, at the age of 68, she sat again for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and NECO, determined to meet the entry requirements for university admission.
Her perseverance paid off when she successfully gained admission into the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre to study Social Work, a course she selected because of her passion for helping others and her long-term dream of managing her own non-governmental organization (NGO).
Matriculation Day: A Moment of Pride and Hope
At the matriculation ceremony, Mrs. Akomolafe joined thousands of younger students as they took the oath of allegiance administered by Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, the Registrar of the University of Ibadan. The ceremony symbolized her full integration into the academic community and the start of an inspiring new adventure.
Observers noted that her confidence and joy radiated throughout the event. Dressed in the university’s traditional academic gown and cap, she smiled proudly as she signed the matriculation register. Photos of her beaming during the event quickly spread online, earning widespread applause and words of encouragement from Nigerians home and abroad.
Why She Chose Social Work
For Mrs. Akomolafe, studying Social Work was more than an academic choice—it was a personal mission. Her years of experience in business and community service exposed her to the realities of social inequality and the struggles faced by vulnerable individuals.
She explained that earning a degree in Social Work would give her the academic foundation to operate her NGO more effectively, improve her understanding of human behavior, and equip her with the professional tools needed to create sustainable community interventions.
Her motivation goes beyond herself—it reflects a deep desire to give back to society and inspire other women, particularly those in rural communities, to never stop learning.
University of Ibadan’s Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university established in 1948, continues to uphold its reputation for promoting inclusive education. Through its Distance Learning Centre (DLC), the institution provides opportunities for individuals who, due to work, age, or family obligations, cannot attend conventional full-time classes.
The DLC’s flexible model—offering online learning, weekend classes, and modular systems—has become a lifeline for mature learners like Mrs. Akomolafe. The Centre currently accommodates thousands of students across disciplines such as Social Work, Economics, Political Science, Nursing, and Computer Science.
Her enrollment is a testament to the university’s mission of creating educational access for all, regardless of age or social circumstance.
Public Reactions and Social Media Impact
Following the publication of her story, Nigerians flooded social media with messages of admiration and praise. Many described her as a “living legend” and “a true example of lifelong learning.”
Some users expressed how her courage reignited their own ambitions to return to school after years away from academics. Education advocates also commended the University of Ibadan for its inclusivity and encouraged other institutions to embrace flexible admission policies that allow non-traditional students to pursue degrees.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe |
| Age | 69 years |
| Date of Birth | December 22, 1956 |
| Occupation (before study) | Retired Data Processing Officer, R.T. Briscoe Motor Company |
| Other Ventures | Pig farming and flour distribution |
| Previous Education | Government Secondary School, Creek Road, Port Harcourt (WASC, 1976) |
| Recent Exams Taken | WASSCE/NECO (2023) |
| University | University of Ibadan (Distance Learning Centre) |
| Programme of Study | Bachelor’s in Social Work |
| Matriculation Session | 2024/2025 Academic Session |
| Number of Matriculants | Over 5,000 across 16 programmes |
| Registrar Present | Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu |
| Goal | To manage an NGO and contribute to social welfare development |
| Inspiration | Lifelong learning and community empowerment |
Breaking Barriers and Redefining Education
Mrs. Akomolafe’s story challenges one of the most enduring misconceptions in Nigerian society—that higher education is only for the young. Her courage speaks directly to anyone who once gave up on education due to life’s circumstances, financial constraints, or social expectations.
In a nation where many mature adults still dream of returning to school, her story offers practical proof that it is never too late. It also highlights the importance of flexible learning systems and the role of technology in bridging educational gaps for older learners.
