In a testament to the adage, “It may tarry, but at the end, it will speak,” Onikeoke Mabel Ayodele Ayodeji, a resilient 70-year-old Nigerian woman, has shared her remarkable journey of triumphing over adversity to attain a master’s degree.
Originally from Ondo State, Nigeria, Ayodele embarked on a life-changing quest when she left her hometown in 1967, in pursuit of educational opportunities her parents couldn’t afford. Unfortunately, her educational journey faced an unforeseen pause after she completed her Modern 3 studies, due to financial constraints. It was a challenging moment for Ayodele, as she couldn’t bear the thought of her friends progressing in their education while she remained stagnant.
To make ends meet, she made the courageous decision to become a salesgirl. Despite enduring hardships and mistreatment, she persevered, never losing sight of her dream to further her education. One pivotal moment served as a source of motivation for her. She fondly recalled, “One day, while I was in Modern school, my teacher surprised us with an impromptu test. After grading my paper, he praised my performance and expressed a wish that I would become a professor by the time he returned in 10 years.”
Ayodele’s inspiring journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams.
Credit: Allschool
