Nigerian Woman Earns Ph.D. After Returning to School in Her 50s

A Nigerian woman has defied societal expectations by returning to school in her 50s to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Olúwáférànmi Adéyemo shared on his official X handle how his mother, driven by a state policy requiring a BSc degree for nursing promotions beyond grade/level 14, went back to school.

Despite initial ridicule, she persevered, eventually earning a second-class upper division in her BSc in nursing from NOUN. Her determination led her to win the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship in 2014 to study MSc Healthcare Management and Leadership in the UK. She is now completing her Ph.D. in nursing in South Africa and serves as a lecturer, even in retirement.

Her story has inspired many, including her son, who also won the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship for his second master’s degree and is motivated to complete his Ph.D. Her former students and colleagues have praised her dedication to education and her supportive nature