Bread Seller and Mother of Three Earns PhD from University of Port Harcourt
Dr Lauritta Ndufeiya-Kumasi, a Nigerian woman who sells bread, has earned a doctoral degree in medical biochemistry from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT). The mother of three celebrated her achievement on June 6, 2026, at the university's convocation ceremony. She shared her inspiring journey on LinkedIn, detailing how she balanced academics with marriage, motherhood, and her bread-selling business.
Juggling Academics, Marriage, and Motherhood
Dr Ndufeiya-Kumasi described the heavy regalia she wore at convocation as symbolic of every chapter of her story. In her LinkedIn post, she wrote: “Today, I am Dr. Lauritta Ndufeiya-Kumasi. PhD, Medical Biochemistry. Wife. Mother of 3. And yes... I still sell bread.” She recounted growing up in difficult circumstances and learning resilience early in life. As an undergraduate, she trained herself by selling sachet water, GNLD products, shirts, and bread. She continues to sell bread today, stating, “Not because I have to, but because dignity in work is not a season I outgrew. It is who I am. No shortcuts. No shame. Just hard work and stubborn hope.”
Academic Journey and Family Life
Dr Ndufeiya-Kumasi pursued her postgraduate studies through a pathway of Postgraduate Diploma, MSc, M.Phil, and finally PhD in Medical Biochemistry. Along the way, she got married and had three children, all born during her degree programs. She attended lectures pregnant, presented research with a nursing baby, and wrote chapters at 2am after bedtime stories. She defended her thesis while balancing marriage, motherhood, and her bread business. “This degree represents every version of me that refused to give up: the student learning resilience, the girl selling bread at dawn, the researcher typing with one hand. All of her walked across that stage on June 6th,” she said.
Social Media Reactions
Her story triggered an outpouring of congratulations on social media. Chioma Blaise Chikere PhD commented: “You are a legend. Super proud of you my dear sister and scientist par excellence. You have done so very well. Huge congratulations, distinguished Dr.” Kome Otokunefor (PhD Nottingham) added: “We celebrate you Dr. Lauritta.”
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