Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has opened up about her difficult journey toward earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, revealing that she almost gave up due to pressure from her lecturers.
Speaking during a testimony session at Streams of Joy International Church, Jonathan shared that repeated assignments, age-related challenges, and high academic demands often left her frustrated and questioning her decision.
“At times, my lecturer would get me angry and say, ‘Go and repeat this page.’ I would think, ‘Shey this man don’t know that I’m old?’” she recalled. “Very soon, I will leave this place and rest because what will I do with it? It’s just to keep the brain moving.”
Despite her doubts, she credited divine encouragement for helping her push through. “When I went to pick up my PhD form, I thought I would not make it. I said, I have finished my career. I have served as First Lady of Nigeria. What am I going to do with a PhD? But God told me, ‘If your children can make it, why can’t you?’”
She also recounted her humility and determination to learn alongside much younger classmates. “I would go to class and sit on the bench with my children. I was the ‘Mama’ among them, and I wasn’t ashamed,” she said, adding that while the younger students understood lessons quickly, she often had to ask questions multiple times to grasp the concepts.
Despite the challenges, Jonathan celebrated her graduation, giving thanks for what she described as a once seemingly impossible feat.
What you should know
Former First Lady Patience Jonathan overcame doubts and academic pressure to earn a PhD in Psychology. Her story is a testament to perseverance, humility, and the belief that learning has no age limit.
