69-Year-Old Retiree, Pig Farmer, and Mother of Four Enrolls at University of Ibadan
By Passman Akpos
A 69-year-old retiree, Mrs. Kate Bosede Akomolafe, has proven that the pursuit of education knows no age limit as she joined 5,000 other students matriculated into the Distance Learning Centre of the University of Ibadan (UI) for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Mrs. Akomolafe, who enrolled to study Social Work, is a pig farmer and founder of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) named Christ’s Care for the Widow. Her goal, she says, is to acquire the professional knowledge needed to manage her NGO more effectively and make greater social impact.
Born on December 22, 1956, Mrs. Akomolafe began her educational journey at Government Secondary School, Creek Road, Port Harcourt, where she obtained her West African School Certificate in 1976. Decades later, driven by an unrelenting passion for learning, she sat again for both the WASSCE and NECO examinations in 2023 to secure the credits required for university admission.
Before her return to academia, Mrs. Akomolafe worked as a Data Processing Officer at RT Briscoe Motor Company, from where she retired after several years of service. She later ventured into business, becoming a distributor of Nigerian Eagle Flour Mills products before establishing her own pig farming enterprise.
Now a proud mother of four successful children — three sons and one daughter — Mrs. Akomolafe said she is determined to excel in her new academic pursuit. “I am not afraid of the challenge ahead,” she said confidently. “My goal is to graduate with a First Class degree in Social Work.”
Her story has drawn admiration from students and faculty alike, inspiring many with her determination, discipline, and lifelong commitment to personal growth.
As one of the oldest students in the 2024/2025 cohort, Mrs. Akomolafe’s journey stands as a shining reminder that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams — and that learning truly is a lifelong adventure.
