Mrs. Patience Jonathan, wife of Nigeria’s ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has candidly revealed that the persistent demands and challenges from her lecturers almost forced her to abandon her pursuit of a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Speaking during a testimony session at Streams of Joy International Church led by Pastor Jerry Eze, she recounted the emotional and academic struggles she endured.
Having recently graduated with a PhD in Psychology, Guidance, and Counselling from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education during its 43rd Postgraduate Convocation, Jonathan described how the rigorous academic expectations tested her patience. “At times, my lecturer would get me angry and say, ‘Go and repeat this page.’ Shey this man don’t know that I’m old,” she said to laughter and applause from the congregation.
Despite her high-profile background, Jonathan admitted she initially doubted her ability to complete the program, questioning the purpose of pursuing a PhD after serving as First Lady. However, divine encouragement motivated her: “If your children can make it, why can’t you?”
She also shared the humility of studying alongside much younger students, often sitting on classroom benches with her children and asking questions multiple times before grasping concepts. The three-year journey felt like “40 years,” she said, but her faith sustained her.
Jonathan urged others, especially women and youths, to see education as accessible at any age, emphasizing, “There is no age limit in education. If you are a hundred years old, you can make it.”
