Mrs Patience Jonathan, wife of Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan, has disclosed that she nearly abandoned her Doctor of Philosophy studies due to the continual pressure and obstacles she received from her instructors.
She recently received her PhD in Psychology, Guidance, and Counselling from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education during the institution’s 43rd Postgraduate Convocation Ceremony.
The former First Lady spoke at a testimony time on Sunday at Streams of Joy International Church, led by Pastor Jerry Eze, about her challenging academic career, which was marred by frustration and self-doubt.
Jonathan revealed that the demands of university life, notably the repetitive assignments and high expectations from instructors, had nearly driven her over the edge.
Speaking on her experience, she said in her characteristic voice, as the congregation cheered and laughed, “At times, my lecturer would get me angry and say, ‘Go and repeat this page.’
“Shey, this man doesn’t know that I’m old.
“Very soon, I will leave this place and rest because what will I do with it? It’s just to keep the brain moving.
“But to God be the glory. That thing that seemed impossible, God made it possible, and I graduated.”
Despite her distinguished upbringing and previous public service, Jonathan stated that it was not a path she had planned for herself after serving in a high governmental office.
“When I went to pick up my PhD form, I thought I would not make it.
“I was the ‘Mama’ among them, and I wasn’t ashamed.
“The teacher would be teaching, and I would raise my hand and ask questions because the younger ones would understand immediately, but, as a ‘Mama’, I had to ask questions three times before I understood one thing,” she said.
Jonathan described the three-year programme as feeling like “40 years” and credited her perseverance to heavenly guidance.
The former First Lady suggested that her story serve as a tremendous motivator for others, particularly women and young people, so that they do not consider age or circumstance as a barrier to study.
“There is no age limit in education. If you are a hundred years old, you can make it.
“If you are ten years old, you can make it. Just be determined, and you will get there,” Jonathan said.
