A Nigerian woman defied all odds and returned to school to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to fulfil her life ambition.
Olúwáférànmi Adéyemo, the woman’s son, shared on his official X handle @FeranmiFerary how his mother dammed societal limitations by returning to school in her 50s to earn the qualifications needed for her career advancement.
“My mum defied the odds and went back to school when she was well over 50 years as the state government won’t promote nurses without a BSc degree beyond grade/level 14.”
Adeyemo, in his narrative, said that as a result of the government’s policy not to promote nursing staff without a degree beyond level 14, his mother went back to rewrite her WAEC examinations.
“I could remember how much I laughed at her on the first day of her examinations when I saw her in school uniform. I was so little and didn’t know that my action was humiliating but she ignored me and went for her examinations.
“When she started her BSc in nursing at NOUN, many people were calling her Iya (old woman) and wondered what she was looking for. She remained focused and graduated with a second-class upper division,” he said.
Armed with focus and determination, Adeyemo said his mother was inspired to navigate her way to pursuing a postgraduate degree course in the United Kingdom (UK).
“In 2014, she surprised everyone when she won the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to study MSc Healthcare Management and Leadership in the UK.
Read also: WAEC releases 2024 WASSCE results, withholds 215,267
“She didn’t stop there. She’s now completing her Ph.D. in nursing in South Africa, and a lecturer in nursing even though she’s a retired nurse,” he noted.
He described his mother as his greatest role model and inspiration in his life journey.
“She’s my greatest role model and because of her I’m always on my toes and encouraged never to give up. Because of her, I went to a private university as she couldn’t bear to see me spend three years at home seeking for admission and doing nothing.
Because of her, I also won the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship in 2020 for my second master’s degree. I’m motivated to complete my PhD as I know if she can do it, I’m also capable of completing my PhD,” Adeyemo said.
Cabosh Ayorinde described the success of Adeyemo’s mother as exhilarating, and inspiring.
“This is heart-warming to hear and I am greatly inspired to go back to school with this amazing testimony of your mum. She’s indeed my 2024 hero.
“I wish to know her personally too if I have the extreme privilege. I’m so highly inspired right now,” he said.
Speaking on the impact of the testimony of Adeyemo, Vaya @VCDLagos said, “Your mum’s story just inspired me to go back to school for my PhD. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. But felt I was too old. Thanks a lot for sharing her story, bless you always.”
Abimbola Gift applauded her disposition to education, and her encouragement during her school days.
“She was my lecturer and project supervisor. I remember she told us to go get our degree immediately after nursing school.
“Apart from the academic excellence, she is a great mother. She showed us nothing but love and care. She’s one of my favourites. She is an amazing woman,” she said.
