Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, has revealed that she almost quit her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme due to intense academic pressure and repeated discouragement from her lecturers.
Jonathan, who recently bagged a PhD in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, shared her experience during a testimony at Streams of Joy International Church.
Reflecting on her challenging academic journey, the former First Lady said the pressure she faced nearly derailed her pursuit of the advanced degree.
“Sometimes, my lecturer would make me redo the same page repeatedly. I’d get so upset and think, ‘Doesn’t he know I’m old?’” she recounted.
Jonathan explained that she was often overwhelmed by the volume of assignments and the demanding expectations of her supervisors. At a point, she confessed, she considered walking away from the programme altogether.
“Very soon, I thought, I will just leave this place and rest. After all, what do I need it for? I only wanted to keep my brain active,” she said.
Despite her doubts, Jonathan said her faith played a crucial role in helping her persevere.
> “When I picked up the PhD form, I questioned myself. I had finished my career. I had served as First Lady. What was I doing chasing a PhD?”
“But God told me, ‘If your children can make it, why can’t you?’”
Jonathan also disclosed that she was the oldest in her class and didn’t shy away from asking questions—even when it meant exposing her lack of understanding in front of much younger classmates.
> “I would raise my hand and ask questions again and again. The younger students would understand immediately, but as ‘Mama’, I sometimes had to ask three times before I understood,” she said with a smile.
Despite the odds, she eventually completed the programme and was awarded her PhD, an achievement she attributed to resilience and divine support.
Her story has since resonated with many, serving as a testament to lifelong learning and determination regardless of age or status.
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