Lecturers’ Challenges Tested Patience Jonathan’s Resolve in PhD Pursuit, She Confesses

Patience Jonathan, Nigeria’s former First Lady, has opened up about the difficulties she faced from lecturers that almost led her to abandon her PhD studies. Speaking at Streams of Joy International Church, she shared her journey to earning a PhD in Psychology, Guidance, and Counselling from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.

She described how lecturers’ high expectations and repeated assignments caused moments of anger and self-doubt. “At times, my lecturer would get me angry and say, ‘Go and repeat this page.’ Shey this man don’t know that I’m old?” she said, eliciting laughter from the congregation.

Jonathan initially questioned the value of pursuing a PhD after serving as First Lady but found motivation through faith. “If your children can make it, why can’t you?” she recalled God telling her.

She also spoke about the humility of sitting alongside much younger classmates and needing to ask questions multiple times before understanding lessons. The three-year program felt like “40 years,” yet she persevered with divine support.

Her testimony encourages others to pursue education regardless of age or circumstance, emphasizing that determination can overcome obstacles.