Chris Osagbaekhoe, a 68-year-old Nigerian-born social work graduate, achieved first-class honours from Goldsmiths, University of London, on September 2, marking a remarkable academic milestone later in life. Born in Nigeria and the proud grandfather of 12 children, Osagbaekhoe returned to university at the age of 64, driven by a deep commitment to helping vulnerable individuals. His journey reflects resilience, determination, and an unwavering desire to serve others, culminating in a top-tier degree that underscores his lifelong dedication to social welfare.
Osagbaekhoe’s academic pursuits were not limited to social work; he also holds professional certifications in psychology and counselling, further strengthening his expertise in mental health and community support. He attributed his decision to pursue higher education to a personal mission: empowering people to help themselves and becoming a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. “Part of the inspiration was to empower people to empower themselves, and part of the motivation was to be a voice to the voiceless – that was my inner drive,” he said during his graduation celebration.
The path to this achievement was not without obstacles. As a mature student balancing personal challenges with rigorous academic demands, Osagbaekhoe faced significant physical difficulties. He lives with chronic pain in his limbs due to one leg being shorter than the other, which causes spinal discomfort every time he walks. Despite these hardships, he persevered, drawing strength from faith, resilience, and the supportive environment provided by Goldsmiths University. “I’m happy there were challenges along the way, but because of resilience and faith, and the support from Goldsmiths University, we are celebrating success today,” he shared.
His story resonates deeply in Nigeria and beyond, where late-life education is often seen as rare or impractical. Osagbaekhoe’s success serves as a powerful example that age is no barrier to learning or making meaningful contributions to society. His accomplishments highlight the importance of lifelong learning and the impact one individual can have through education and compassion.
As Nigeria continues to invest in human capital and social development, stories like Osagbaekhoe’s inspire many to pursue their dreams regardless of age or circumstance. His journey from Nigeria to a top UK university stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose. The future holds more opportunities for him to use his qualifications to uplift communities, both locally and internationally, proving that it’s never too late to achieve greatness.
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