By Peter Omopo
A story of lifelong learning and inspiration – A 69-year-old woman, Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe, drew admiration and applause on Friday as she joined over 5,000 new students at the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (DLC) matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The event, held at the university’s main auditorium, saw the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, administer the matriculation oath to thousands of learners admitted into 16 academic programmes.
Mrs. Akomolafe, a retired Data Processing Officer from R.T. Briscoe Motor Company, stood out in her matriculation gown and cap, smiling brightly as cameras captured the memorable moment. Her pictures quickly went viral across social media platforms, earning her praise as a symbol of resilience and lifelong ambition.
According to a post shared on the university’s verified Facebook page, the septuagenarian has enrolled to study Social Work, a course she believes will help her manage her non-governmental organisation dedicated to community development.
Born on December 22, 1956, Mrs. Akomolafe obtained her first West African School Certificate in 1976 from Government Secondary School, Creek Road, Port Harcourt. Nearly five decades later, she sat again for WASSCE and NECO in 2023 to meet the requirements for university admission.
The post also revealed that she is currently a pig farmer and former flour distributor, who decided to return to school to fulfill a lifelong dream.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter O. Olapegba, charged the matriculating students to approach their studies with discipline and purpose.
In his address titled “Genuine Success is Achieved Through Deliberate Choices,” Professor Olapegba urged the new students to be mindful of the friendships they form and the choices they make, stressing that “every interaction, discussion, and lecture will shape their character and influence their future.”
He reminded the learners that they are “solely responsible for the outcomes they realise in UI, a vibrant community where academic study is harmoniously balanced with social engagement.”
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor further advised students to uphold the university’s code of conduct, warning that UI maintains a zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline or behaviour capable of tarnishing its hard-earned reputation.
He added that success should not only be measured by grades but also by “the depth of insight, resilience, and positive impact students make in their communities and the world.”
The University of Ibadan’s Distance Learning Centre has continued to expand access to education for people of all ages and backgrounds, with Mrs. Akomolafe’s story standing as a testament to the power of perseverance and the timeless value of learning.
