“69-Year-Old Farmer, Retired Officer Fulfils Lifelong Dream at UI Matriculation”

A 69-year-old woman, Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe, captured the hearts of many at the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (DLC) matriculation ceremony, where she joined over 5,000 new students for the 2024/2025 academic session on Friday.

The event, held at the university, saw the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, administer the matriculation oath to students admitted into 16 academic programmes.

Photos of Mrs. Akomolafe, proudly dressed in her matriculation gown and cap, went viral on social media on Saturday after being shared on the university’s official Facebook page, #UniIbadan. The post revealed that the 69-year-old is a retired Data Processing Officer from R.T. Briscoe Motor Company.

Now a pig farmer and former flour distributor, Mrs. Akomolafe has enrolled to study Social Work, a course she believes will help her manage her non-governmental organisation. Born on December 22, 1956, she first obtained her West African School Certificate in 1976 from Government Secondary School, Creek Road, Port Harcourt. Nearly 50 years later, she sat for both the WASSCE and NECO exams in 2023 to fulfil her lifelong dream of earning a university degree.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter O. Olapegba, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, urged students to make deliberate choices that lead to genuine success.

In a statement titled “Genuine Success is Achieved Through Deliberate Choices,” Professor Olapegba reminded the matriculants that every friendship, discussion, and lecture contributes to shaping their character and influencing their future. He also stressed that students are responsible for the outcomes of their academic journey at the University of Ibadan, where scholarship and social engagement go hand in hand.

The DVC cautioned students to uphold the institution’s values, warning that UI maintains zero tolerance for misconduct or behaviour that could damage its reputation. He emphasised that true success is measured not just by grades but by resilience, insight, and the positive impact students make on society.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that efforts are underway to reach out to Mrs. Akomolafe, whose inspiring story has become a symbol of lifelong learning and determination.