Ogun State First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, has offered a fresh lesson in determination and the pursuit of personal dreams after earning a Master of Science degree at the age of 60, more than three decades after completing her first degree.
Abiodun, who clocked 60 in July, graduated with an MSc in Public Policy and Management from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, turning what could have remained a postponed ambition into a new academic milestone.
The achievement has also provided the First Lady with an opportunity to encourage Nigerians who may have put their aspirations on hold because of age, career, family responsibilities or other circumstances to take another shot at their dreams.
Sharing photographs from her graduation ceremony on Instagram, Abiodun reflected on the long journey from her first degree to the latest qualification.
“It’s been quite a journey for me, coming more than 35 years after my first degree, and in the year I turned 60! There’s so much to be thankful for.”
The journey, she disclosed, was not without demanding moments, with a statistics course and her final dissertation proving particularly challenging.
“I am grateful to God and to my family and friends who encouraged me along the way, especially in the very tough days. That statistics course tested the limits of my endurance, but through that and my final dissertation last year, I earned my MSc.”
But for Abiodun, the significance of the qualification goes beyond the certificate. She used her experience to encourage others who may be contemplating a fresh start, stressing that self-improvement does not have an expiry date.
“I want to encourage everyone who is thinking of taking the journey of self-improvement; it’s never too late to begin again. It doesn’t have to be a degree; it may be a career change or even coming out of retirement to do something new. There is always something more, and I am rooting for you!”
She also thanked members of her family and friends who supported her through the programme and those who attended the graduation and reception at short notice.
“I thank my family and friends who were able to attend the programme at short notice. Special thanks to the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, H.E. Noimot Oyedele, Special Advisers to the Governor on Health, Omolayo Mojole and Oluyemisi Dawodu, who honoured me with their presence at the ceremony and reception.”
The milestone attracted congratulatory messages from associates and public figures, including singer David Adeleke, businesswoman and author Ibukunoluwa Awosika, former Oyo State First Lady Florence Ajimobi and Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
One of the congratulatory messages came from Segun Showunmi, who described Abiodun as an “iconic woman of grace” while celebrating her achievement.
Abiodun’s latest academic accomplishment builds on her earlier education at the University of Ibadan, where she obtained a degree in Zoology. She also grew up within the university community, where her father served as a professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Her decision to pursue the postgraduate qualification came while she was already shouldering the responsibilities of Ogun State’s First Lady, as well as her roles as a wife, mother and advocate for women, children, education and social welfare.
Through the Ajose Foundation, she has championed initiatives in education, healthcare, poverty reduction, women’s empowerment and support for vulnerable groups.
Her MSc in Public Policy and Management consequently adds academic depth to areas of public and social development in which she has been actively involved.
The development was reported by The Punch on September 13, 2026, with the newspaper highlighting the First Lady’s graduation, her reflections on the demanding academic journey and her encouragement to Nigerians pursuing self-improvement.
For Abiodun, however, the milestone carries a message larger than the qualification itself: that dreams may be delayed by life, but determination can keep them alive until the opportunity to fulfil them arrives.
