“3 Years Felt like 40,” Patience Jonathan Reflects on PhD Journey

• Nigeria's former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has finally discussed the journey to completing her academic programme
• At a church service, Patience Jonathan disclosed that God directed her and as well backed her till the completion of her programme
• Giving her testimony, Dr Jonathan also shared that she nearly abandoned her doctorate degree due to lecturer's pressure

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, said that God told her to pursue a doctorate degree despite her age.

Patience Jonathan shares how she earned PhD

Legit.ng reported that the former first lady earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers state, on May 31.

Giving her testimony at the Streams of Joy International Church, Patience said she started by acquiring a National Certificate of Education (NCE) before bagging a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and then a Master’s Degree.

As reported by TheCable on Tuesday, June 10, the former first lady said she had to ask questions repeatedly to understand her coursework while pursuing the PhD at the university.

“When I went to pick up my PhD form, I thought that I would not make it. I said I have finished my career. I have served as first lady of Nigeria. What am I going to do with a PhD?” she said.

“But God told me to go there. He said, ‘If your children can make it, why can’t you? Just go there and try’. I went to pick up the form. Three years to me was like 40 years.”

I almost abandoned my PhD - Patience Jonathan

Buttressing her point, the former first lady added that she sometimes got angry at a lecturer who would tell her to repeat assignments.

“This man doesn’t know that I’m old. I will soon leave this place and rest because what will I do with it? It’s just to keep the brain moving. But to God be the glory. That thing that seemed impossible, God made it possible, and I graduated,” she said.

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Patience Jonathan promises to campaign with Remi Tinubu in 2027

Previously, Legit.ng reported that Dame Patience Jonathan promised to campaign alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mrs. Jonathan has ruled out returning to Aso Rock Villa with her husband, Goodluck Jonathan in 2027.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng