How 69-Year-Old Retired Data Processing Officer Woman Matriculates as Undergraduate at University of Ibadan
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that a 69-year-old woman, Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe, a retired Data Processing Officer who worked with R.T. Briscoe Motor Company, has become a trending topic after her photos from the matriculation ceremony at the University of Ibadan quickly went viral across social media on Saturday.
OTN News further reports that the sexagenarian woman became the centre of attention at the University of Ibadan’s Distance Learning Centre (DLC) matriculation ceremony on Friday as she took the oath of admission alongside over 5,000 new students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
OTN News gathered that the oath taking was administered by the university’s Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, during the event, which saw fresh learners admitted into 16 different programmes under the DLC.
However, the photos from the ceremony quickly went viral across social media on Saturday, drawing admiration for Mrs. Akomolafe’s inspiring pursuit of higher education later in life.
OTN News gathered that the University, which published a brief profile of the woman and her reason for the bold move in a post shared on its official Facebook page, #UniIbadan, disclosed that the 69-year-old woman is a retired Data Processing Officer who worked with R.T. Briscoe Motor Company.
According to the post, “clad in her matriculation gown and cap, Mrs. Akomolafe — a retired Data Processing Officer from R.T. Briscoe Motor Company — wore a bright smile as cameras captured the moment she took her place among the newest members of Nigeria’s premier university.
“Now a pig farmer and former flour distributor, she has enrolled to study Social Work, a course she said would help her manage her non-governmental organisation.
“Born on December 22, 1956, Mrs. Akomolafe first obtained her West African School Certificate in 1976 from Government Secondary School, Creek Road, Port Harcourt.
“Nearly five decades later, she sat again for WASSCE and NECO in 2023 to secure the credits needed to pursue her lifelong dream of earning a degree,” the post read.
In his address to the newly admitted students, titled: "Genuine Success is Achieved Through Deliberate Choices", the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter O. Olapegba, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, at the gracious event, encouraged the matriculants to pursue excellence through intentional effort.
Professor Olapegba advised the new learners to be mindful of their relationships and actions, noting that every interaction and lecture contributes to shaping their future.
He reminded them 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.”
The DVC further cautioned the students against misconduct, reiterating the university’s zero tolerance for behaviour that could tarnish its reputation.
He, however, added that true success would be measured not only by academic performance but also by “the depth of their insight, the resilience they exhibit, and the positive impact they ultimately make on the world.”
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