Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling by Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The award was conferred during the university’s 43rd Convocation Ceremony held on Saturday. The event was attended by dignitaries, supporters, and members of the public.
This is as she used the occasion to inspire Nigerian women and youths to embrace lifelong learning.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the former first lady’s media adviser, Chris Okeke, on Sunday.
Jonathan speaking at the university’s 43rd Postgraduate Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, highlighted the transformative power of education, stressing that age should never be a barrier to academic pursuit
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
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“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.”
Patience 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.
She pledged to intensify her efforts in advocating for their upliftment and to continue promoting dialogue for the betterment of society.
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.
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 this 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.”