Former Nigerian First Lady Patience has finished her studies and has been awarded the honorary doctorate degree in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
She dedicated her academic achievement to Nigerian women, reaffirming her commitment to championing the rights and welfare of vulnerable groups, especially women, children and the youth.
The award was conferred during the university’s 43rd Convocation Ceremony held on Saturday.
Women’s groups, including Rivers Women Unite for SIM led by Sotonye Toby Fult, organised a celebration in honour of the former First Lady. The gathering featured singing and dancing.
A video from the event showed Dame Patience Jonathan dancing with the women to the chant, “Na our mama be dis ooo.”
During the celebration, she addressed the women in pidgin English, inviting them for a group photo and refreshments, saying, “Make una come. Make we snap, let’s go and eat.”
Patience Jonathan bags PhD, urges Nigerians to embrace lifelong learning
Wife of a former President of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
She used the occasion to inspire Nigerian women and youths to embrace lifelong learning, according to a statement later released by the former First Lady’s Media Adviser, Chris Okeke, on Sunday.
She said: “I feel that no age is too late to achieve your academic dreams, whether you are young or old.
“If I can do it, you can also do it
“I believe that even in retirement, you are not too old to go back to school because education provides the opportunity for one to always refresh his or her brain and learn new things.
“Let me use this opportunity to encourage Nigerian women and the youth to aspire to become the best of themselves through qualitative education.”
Reflecting on the journey, she credited divine grace and the support of her family for her success.
“First of all, I am very grateful to the Almighty God who has made today a reality.
“He saw me through the programme so I am very happy today.
“I also thank my family sincerely, especially my lovely husband, His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for all his support and very useful suggestions.
“I am also very grateful to my beautiful and lovely children for showing great understanding and love throughout the period I was engaged in this programme.
“I appreciate all my friends for their encouragement. I feel very happy today.”
