A 69-year-old woman, Mrs Kate Bosede Akomolafe, drew attention at the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (DLC) matriculation ceremony, where over 5,000 new students were formally admitted for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Akomolafe, a retired Data Processing Officer from R.T. Briscoe Motor Company, enrolled in social work to enhance her non-governmental organisation’s operations. The university confirmed her story on its official Facebook page, noting that she retook WASSCE and NECO in 2023 to qualify for admission, nearly 50 years after earning her first school certificate in 1976.
Now a pig farmer and former flour distributor, Akomolafe’s determination has inspired many online after photos from the event went viral.
Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Peter Olapegba, urged students to pursue “genuine success through deliberate choices,” stressing that every decision, relationship, and lecture would shape their academic and personal growth at Nigeria’s premier university.
