Former President Jonathan’s Wife Recounts Struggle To Earn Ph.D

Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan (Ph.D), has shared a testimony of her academic journey, describing the pursuit of her doctoral degree as one of the most challenging yet fulfilling experiences of her life.

Patience, who spoke yesterday during a testimony and thanksgiving service at Streams of Joy International led by Pastor Jerry Eze, said the three-year process of obtaining her Ph.D felt like forty years, filled with moments of doubt, physical stress, and emotional struggle.

“When I went to pick up the Ph.D form, I asked myself, ‘What am I going to do with this now that I have finished as first lady?’ But God told me, If these young children can make it, why can’t you? So, I tried. Honestly, those three years felt like forty.”

According to her, despite the fears and age, she pushed through the academic challenges, sometimes repeating assignments, often travelling between cities, and sitting in lecture halls with students young enough to be her children.

“I wasn’t ashamed, though. When the teacher was teaching, I raised my hand and asked questions. The younger ones understood things quickly, but me, Mama, I had to ask three times before I understood one. I kept going. I wasn’t afraid to learn,” she said.

She also emphasised that age should never be a barrier to education. According to her, whether one is 10 or 100 years old, learning is always possible. She expressed hope that her achievement would inspire both the young and the old to chase knowledge with courage and humility.

“There is no age limit in education. You are 100 years old, you can make it. You are 10 years old, you can make it. Just sit like me. Be determined, and you will succeed.”

She recounted how her academic path began with reluctance but became a divine assignment. Her children, she said, had prayed that she would attend Streams of Joy Church, and eventually she gave in not only to their wishes but also to God’s guidance.

“I thank God for His doings in my life and my family. That thing that seemed impossible, God made it possible. Last week was my graduation. I give God the glory. If I, Patience, can make it, then you, especially the younger ones, can do even better.”

The former first lady further called for national unity and collective responsibility in nation-building, urging religious leaders to pray fervently for Nigeria and for citizens to rise above division and work together for the country’s progress.

“This is Nigeria. Nigeria belongs to all of us. And we will work together to make Nigeria great. One person alone cannot do it. It’s all of us, joining hands, that will make this country succeed.”

Patience Jonathan thanked Pastor Jerry Eze for his continued spiritual guidance, noting that his sermons and early morning prayers played a major role in sustaining her faith and strength throughout her academic journey.