Dr. Mrs. Patience Jonathan
Patience Jonathan over the weekend made history as the first Nigerian First Lady to bag a PhD. Dr Jonathan earned her doctorate degree in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on May 31, 2025.
Dr. Mrs. Jonathan speaking at the university’s 43rd Postgraduate Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, highlighted the transformative power of education, stressing that age should never be a barrier to academic pursuit.
She said,”I feel that no age is too late to achieve your academic dreams, whether you are young or old. If I can do it, you can also do it. I believe that even in retirement, you are not too old to go back to school because education provides the opportunity for one to always refresh his or her brain and learn new things”.
“Let me use this opportunity to encourage Nigerian women and the youth to aspire to become the best of themselves through qualitative education.”, she said
Jonathan dedicated her academic achievement to Nigerian women, reaffirming her commitment to championing the rights and welfare of vulnerable groups, especially women, children and the youth.
She pledged to intensify her efforts in advocating for their upliftment and to continue promoting dialogue for the betterment of society.
Reflecting on the journey, she credited divine grace and the support of her family for her success. “First of all, I am very grateful to the Almighty God who has made today a reality. “He saw me through the programme so I am very happy today.
“I also thank my family sincerely, especially my lovely husband, His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for all his support and very useful suggestions”.
The other First Ladies with university degrees are Justice Fati Abubakar, who throughout her husband’s tenure, remained in active practice and the current First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who holds a B.Sc. in Education from the University of Ife
