“No Age Is Too Late”: Patience Jonathan Earns PhD, Urges Nigerian Women to Pursue Education

Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, has called on Nigerian women and young people to embrace lifelong learning and pursue their academic dreams regardless of age or status.

Speaking at the 43rd postgraduate convocation ceremony of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rivers State, where she was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology, Guidance, and Counselling, Jonathan emphasized the transformative power of education.

“I feel that no age is too late to achieve your academic dreams, whether you are young or old. If I can do it, you can also do it,” she said during her remarks. “Even in retirement, you are not too old to go back to school because education refreshes the brain and opens you to new ideas.”

Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s First Lady from 2010 to 2015, said she dedicated the academic feat to Nigerian women. She reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for vulnerable members of society, especially women, children, and the youth.

“My journey through this programme was not easy, but I’m grateful to God for seeing me through. I also sincerely thank my husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, for his unwavering support and encouragement,” she said.

In her message, she also encouraged Nigerian youth to take education seriously, adding that investing in knowledge would help build a better society.

“Let me use this opportunity to encourage Nigerian women and the youth to aspire to become the best of themselves through qualitative education,” she said.

Dr. Jonathan noted that this milestone would further strengthen her resolve to champion causes that uplift the underrepresented and promote social dialogue.

The ceremony, which drew dignitaries from the political, academic, and civic spheres, celebrated not only her academic accomplishment but also her enduring influence as a role model for women across Nigeria.

Jonathan’s latest achievement comes months after her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, was named the 2025 recipient of the Sunhak Peace Prize for his contributions to peace and democracy in Africa.