Ogun State First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, has added another qualification to her academic credentials, graduating with a Master of Science degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies.
Abiodun, who turned 60 in July, shared the milestone on her Instagram page, posting several photographs from the graduation ceremony.
Congratulating herself, she wrote, “In London this week for my graduation from the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies with a Masters in Public Policy and Management.
“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.”
She also expressed gratitude to God, her family, and friends who supported her throughout the journey.
“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.”
“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 First Lady also encouraged Nigerians to embrace self-improvement, regardless of their age or stage in life.
“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!”
A small reception was also held to mark the milestone.
The achievement attracted congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and well-wishers, who took to social media to celebrate the First Lady for returning to the classroom despite her demanding responsibilities.
One of those who congratulated her, Segun Showunmi, described her as an “iconic woman of grace,” while celebrating the accomplishment and her personality.
Singer David Adeleke, Nigerian businesswoman and author Ibukunoluwa Awosika, among others, also congratulated Abiodun.
Former Oyo State First Lady, Florence Ajimobi, and the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, also extended their congratulatory messages.
For Abiodun, however, the latest achievement is another chapter in her long relationship with education.
The First Lady previously studied at the University of Ibadan, where she obtained a degree in Zoology.
She has also spoken about growing up within the University of Ibadan community, where her father was a professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Her decision to return to academic work comes against the backdrop of her public responsibilities as Ogun State’s First Lady, wife, mother, and advocate for women, children, education, and social welfare.
Over the years, she has championed initiatives through the Ajose Foundation, with programmes focused on education, healthcare, poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and support for vulnerable groups.
Her latest qualification therefore adds a new dimension to her public-policy interests, particularly given her advocacy work and involvement in social-development initiatives across Ogun State.
The graduation also offered a lighter, more personal side of the First Lady, as photographs from the occasion showed her embracing the moment with the poise and understated elegance for which she is known.
Known for favouring simple, comfortable, and often locally inspired outfits, Abiodun has previously said she enjoys wearing Adire and supporting young Nigerian designers and talented tailors.
With her latest academic milestone, the First Lady has once again demonstrated that public responsibility need not bring a halt to personal development.
For Abiodun, the graduation appears to be less about the certificate alone and more about the message behind it: that learning, regardless of age or position, remains a lifelong journey.
