Nigerian Mother Triumphs Over Adversity to Graduate from UNILAG After Seven-Year Journey
A resilient Nigerian mother, Confidence Emmanuel Okoronkwo, has achieved a significant academic milestone by graduating from the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG) with a second-class lower honours degree. Her remarkable journey, which spanned seven years instead of the intended four, stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and determination in the face of life's unexpected challenges.
Academic Pursuit Intertwined with Motherhood
Confidence's path to graduation was marked by extraordinary circumstances that tested her resolve. In a heartfelt Facebook post celebrating her convocation, she revealed that she sat for her year four examinations in 2024 while being eight months pregnant. The following year, in 2025, she returned to complete her final exams with her baby in tow, demonstrating remarkable commitment to both her education and her growing family.
"What was meant to be a 5 year journey became 7 years at the University of Lagos and today, I stand GRATEFUL," Confidence wrote in her emotional social media post. "I wrote my Year 4 exams in 2024, while I was 8 months pregnant. Last year, I returned with my baby to write my final exams. And today, I graduate with a Second Class Honours (Lower Division)."
A Journey Supported by Faith and Family
The UNILAG graduate expressed profound gratitude to those who supported her throughout her extended academic pursuit. She credited God for carrying her through seasons of delay, pressure, strength, and grace. Confidence also acknowledged the unwavering support of her mother, husband, family, and friends who provided prayers, sacrifices, encouragement, and constant reminders to persevere.
"This win is not just academic, it is a Testimony," she emphasized in her post, highlighting that her achievement represents more than just academic success but rather a personal victory over circumstances that could have derailed her educational aspirations.
Social Media Celebration and Reactions
Confidence's inspiring story has resonated widely on social media, with numerous users celebrating her accomplishment. The post featuring her convocation photoshoot has attracted heartfelt congratulations and words of encouragement from friends, family, and well-wishers who have been moved by her determination.
Among the many reactions, supporters praised her resilience with comments such as:
- "More Wins my love, may God continue to bless you and your family"
- "Congratulations dear the lord is your strength"
- "A very big congratulations to you my dear sister"
- "Super congratulations dear more wins"
- "It doesn't matter how long it took, the most important thing is that the degree was bagged"
Broader Context of Adult Education in Nigeria
Confidence's achievement adds to a growing narrative of Nigerian women pursuing higher education while balancing family responsibilities. Her story follows similar inspiring accounts from UNILAG, including a mother who returned to complete her studies years after abandoning them and a lady who earned a master's degree from the same institution years after her mother had graduated.
These stories collectively highlight the increasing trend of adult education in Nigeria, where individuals are returning to academic pursuits later in life, often while managing significant personal and professional responsibilities. They demonstrate that educational aspirations need not be limited by age, family status, or life circumstances.
The University of Lagos, one of Nigeria's premier higher education institutions, continues to produce graduates who overcome substantial obstacles to achieve their academic goals. Confidence Emmanuel Okoronkwo's seven-year journey to a second-class lower degree serves as an inspiring example of how determination, family support, and personal faith can combine to overcome even the most challenging circumstances in pursuit of education.
