A 69-year-old woman, Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe, became the cynosure of all eyes at the University of Ibadan’s Distance Learning Centre (DLC) on Friday as she joined thousands of new students at the institution’s matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Clad proudly in her matriculation gown and cap, Mrs. Akomolafe — a retired Data Processing Officer from R.T. Briscoe Motor Company — shared smiles and waves with fellow students as cameras captured her remarkable moment. She is enrolled to study Social Work, a course she said aligns with her passion for helping others through her non-governmental organisation.
The ceremony, held at the university’s Distance Learning Centre, had over 5,000 learners taking the matriculation oath, administered by the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu.
Images from the event, shared widely across social media platforms, highlighted Mrs. Akomolafe’s inspiring determination to pursue education later in life. According to a post on the university’s verified Facebook page, the septuagenarian’s academic journey is a testament to perseverance and lifelong learning.
Born on December 22, 1956, she first obtained her West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1976 from Government Secondary School, Creek Road, Port Harcourt. Nearly fifty years later, she sat for both WASSCE and NECO examinations in 2023 to secure the requisite credits for university admission.
Now a pig farmer and former flour distributor, Mrs. Akomolafe’s story has stirred admiration among Nigerians online, with many describing her as a symbol of resilience and purpose.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter O. Olapegba, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, charged the matriculating students to embrace discipline and deliberate effort in their pursuit of success.
In a statement titled “Genuine Success is Achieved Through Deliberate Choices”, Olapegba reminded the students that they alone are responsible for the outcomes of their academic journeys.
He advised them to be mindful of the company they keep and the values they uphold, noting that every interaction, discussion, and lecture would shape their intellectual and moral growth.
“The University of Ibadan is a vibrant community where academic excellence is harmoniously balanced with social engagement,” he said. “Your success will not only be measured by your grades but by the resilience you show and the impact you make on the world.”
The university reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for unruly behaviour, stressing its commitment to maintaining its long-standing reputation for discipline and integrity.
