October 31, 2025
Anamati Inyang- Uyo, Nigeria
A 69-year-old woman, Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe, drew attention at the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (DLC) matriculation ceremony on Friday, where she joined over 5,000 new students who took the matriculation oath for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The oath was administered by the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, as learners were officially admitted into 16 academic programmes of the centre.
Images from the event spread widely on social media on Saturday, with many Nigerians celebrating Mrs. Akomolafe for her courage and determination to return to school at her age.
According to a post from the university’s official Facebook page, the 69-year-old is a retired Data Processing Officer from R.T. Briscoe Motor Company.
Born on December 22, 1956, Mrs. Akomolafe obtained her West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1976 from Government Secondary School, Creek Road, Port Harcourt. Nearly fifty years later, she sat again for WASSCE and NECO in 2023 to earn the required credits to pursue her dream of obtaining a university degree.
Dressed in her matriculation gown and cap, Mrs. Akomolafe stood out among other students with a radiant smile. Now a pig farmer and former flour distributor, she has enrolled to study Social Work, a course she said will help her manage her non-governmental organisation (NGO) more effectively.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter O. Olapegba, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, advised students to understand that true success comes from deliberate and responsible choices.
In a message titled “Genuine Success is Achieved Through Deliberate Choices,” Professor Olapegba urged the new students to be intentional in the kind of friendships they form, noting that every conversation and interaction in the university environment would influence their growth and future.
He reminded them that they are “solely responsible for the results they will produce in UI, a community where learning and social engagement go hand in hand.”
The DVC cautioned students to obey the institution’s rules and maintain discipline, stressing that the university will not tolerate any form of misconduct or actions capable of damaging its long-standing reputation.
He added that success at the University of Ibadan would not only be judged by academic grades but also by the depth of wisdom, resilience, and positive contributions each student brings to society.
