62 grandma bagged first degree against all odds

By Abimbola Joseph

A 62-year-old woman, Lydia Agoro, completed her first degree against all odds from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State,

Agoro, who was among numerous students that the university graduated in 2024, said she enrolled in to the degree programme out of her passion for education despite her age.

Agoro, who studied studied Public Administration at the University, finished at the appropriate time having spent the required four years of study to earn her Bachelor degree in Public Administration.

She explains what prompted her to return to school to study in the midst of her children who had already graduated from different University and have started working.

"While I was working as a council staff, my boss Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, directed that some people should be nominated for courses.

"I was shortlisted and later dropped because I am not a degree holder since it is the criteria of selection.

"I was angry and unhappy over what happened and since then I made the determination that I will go to university and study more.

"When I finally made the moves, people started discouraging me, grandma what do you need the certificate for.

"I was resilient and continue because I am determined, today I am happy because i fulfilled my dream," Agoro said.

She urged youths to prioritise education as the only variable that can bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, and also make the children of a cleaner to become President of any country.

Agoro appreciated all her friends and families who had in one way or the other supported her during the course of her study and especially her late husband who stood by her from the beginning.

"I appreciate all my families who stood by especially my late darling husband who gave me a strong back up when I wanted to start," she said.

Speaking at the event, His Royal Majesty, Oba Segun Benson, (Olojodu of Ojodu) commended the graduand for her resilience and determination in pursuance of her goals.

Olojodu encourages both youths and older ones not to relent in the process of acheiving a set goals and prayed for everybody present at the event.

"Let me go back to memory lane, both of us are friends and we set out priorities

"We plan to go to higher institution to build our career but along the line i travelled abroad.

After some time i was called back to Nigeria to takeover my possession, which I did and ascend on the throne of my forefathers.

"If she can go this far with her age I think others who are above, below and of her age can do same, nobody should be discouraged," Olojodu of Ojodu said.

Also speaking, Olori Toyin Famakinwa-Tijani, who was the best friend to the graduand said she is overwhelmed with joy having seen her bossom friend graduated from a university with a flying colour.

She's an Amazon. Her determination has yielded fruit at last.

Great!