Former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, Recounts Struggles On The Road To PhD

Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has revealed that she nearly abandoned her pursuit of a Doctor of Philosophy degree due to intense academic pressure and moments of self-doubt.

Speaking during a testimony at Streams of Joy International Church, the former First Lady, who recently earned a PhD in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, shared her challenging academic journey.

According to her, the rigours of postgraduate study — including repeated assignments and high expectations from lecturers — almost made her give up.

“At times, my lecturer would get me angry and say, ‘Go and repeat this page.’ I’d think, ‘Does this man not know I’m old?’” she said.
“Very soon, I felt like leaving. I told myself, ‘What do I need this for? It’s just to keep the brain moving.’ But to God be the glory — that thing that seemed impossible, God made possible, and I graduated.”

Mrs. Jonathan also admitted that her initial motivation to pursue the degree was shaky, especially considering her past status as Nigeria’s First Lady.

“When I went to pick up the PhD form, I thought I wouldn’t make it. I said, ‘I have finished my career. I’ve served as First Lady. What do I need a PhD for?’
But God told me, ‘If your children can make it, why can’t you?’”

She added that despite being the oldest student in her class, she was never ashamed to ask questions — often multiple times — in order to understand.

“I would sit on the bench with my children. I was the ‘Mama’ in class, and I wasn’t ashamed.
The teacher would be teaching, and I’d raise my hand. The younger ones understood quickly, but as a ‘Mama’, I had to ask three times to grasp one thing.”

Her testimony has since inspired many, showcasing the power of perseverance, humility, and lifelong learning — regardless of age or status.