“But God told me to go there. He said, ‘If your children can make it, why can’t you? Just go. ..”
Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has disclosed divine inspiration motivated her to pursue a doctorate degree despite initial doubts, graduating recently from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
The 65-year-old, who bagged a PhD in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling during the institution’s May 31 convocation, shared her academic journey at Streams of Joy International Church. She recalled questioning the necessity of further education after serving as Nigeria’s First Lady: “What am I going to do with a PhD?” before receiving spiritual reassurance: “If your children can make it, why can’t you?”
Jonathan described the three-year program as feeling like “40 years”, often requiring repeated clarifications from lecturers. Her educational path began with an NCE, followed by a BSc and Master’s degree before the doctoral pursuit. The achievement makes her one of Nigeria’s few former first ladies with terminal degrees.
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