UNILAG Graduate Celebrates Academic Triumph at 30 After Overcoming Multiple Setbacks
A University of Lagos graduate has captured widespread attention online after sharing her emotional journey of completing her university education at the age of 30, despite finishing secondary school at just 15 years old. The young woman, identified as Boluwape, took to social media to document her challenging path to graduation, inspiring countless Nigerians with her story of resilience and determination.
From Early Academic Promise to Unexpected Delays
According to her detailed account, Boluwape completed secondary school at 15 with ambitious plans to enter university immediately, graduate by 21, establish a business, marry by 25, and achieve significant financial success by 30. However, reality presented a different trajectory that tested her resolve at every turn.
The initial setbacks began with multiple unsuccessful attempts at university admission tests. "Reality hit when I wrote JAMB/PUTME three times and didn't get in," she revealed. Her academic journey took another detour when she enrolled at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) but had to withdraw in 2015 due to financial constraints, work distractions, and difficulty keeping up with the program's demands.
Perseverance Through Admission Challenges and Institutional Disruptions
After her sister encouraged her to try again, Boluwape resumed her quest for university admission in 2018. She finally gained entry to the University of Lagos in 2019 after two additional JAMB attempts, only to face further obstacles that extended her four-year program to six years.
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and prolonged ASUU strikes significantly disrupted her academic timeline. "By the time it was my turn to enter school, the world had shut down," she explained, highlighting how external factors beyond her control impacted her educational progress.
Mental Health Struggles and Ultimate Triumph
During her second year at UNILAG, Boluwape experienced severe depression and contemplated abandoning her studies. "I remember wanting to leave again in 200 level because I felt out of place. I was going through the biggest depression ever, with suicidal thoughts and all," she shared candidly.
Despite these profound challenges, she made a conscious decision to persevere. "But I stayed. I said, 'Let me finish this one. Even if they are doing me from the village, let me not give them a helping hand.' So I finished!" Her determination to complete what she started became her driving force through the most difficult periods.
Celebrating Multiple Achievements at 30
Upon finally graduating at age 30, Boluwape celebrated not just her university degree but several simultaneous accomplishments. "I finished school at 30. I got my teacher's license at 30. I started my global online tutoring company at 30," she announced proudly.
Her message to others facing similar delays emphasized that "Delay is definitely not denial." She identified herself as "the girl that finishes what she starts" and connected her achievement to her name's meaning, "Complete with God" — Mo Boluwape.
Widespread Inspiration and Community Response
The graduate's story has resonated deeply across social media platforms, with numerous users expressing admiration for her perseverance. One commenter noted, "Absolute inspiration! Life doesn't always follow the timeline we set, but perseverance, faith & grit turn delays into milestones."
Another respondent shared a parallel experience: "Your story is inspiring and a means of solace. Congratulations. I couldn't gain admission until 2 years after secondary too, gained admission in 2019 and graduated last year."
This narrative joins other inspiring stories from University of Lagos graduates who have overcome significant challenges to achieve academic excellence, highlighting the resilience of Nigerian students in the face of systemic and personal obstacles.
