Babcock Graduate Earns PhD At 26, Draws Attention Online

Uzzibi Methuselah, a graduate of Babcock University, has attracted widespread attention online after earning a PhD at 26, with her academic thesis also becoming a topic of discussion on social media.

The young scholar’s achievement has gained attention from students, academics and social media users, with reports saying she fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning her doctorate at a young age.

She revealed that she had dreamed of earning a PhD since graduating from secondary school in 2015.

In a LinkedIn post, Uzzibi said she first dreamt of getting a PhD at the age of 15.

Her LinkedIn post read:

“At 15, I Dreamed It. At 26, I Did It. Today, I completed the earliest long-term goal I can remember setting for myself. I defended my PhD thesis titled “Boko Haram Deradicalisation and Human Security in Northeast Nigeria” and was declared a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science with a specialisation in Defence and Strategic Studies.

“I remember sitting in an exam hall at 15, after finishing my last WASSCE paper, thinking about where I wanted to be in the next 10 years. One of the clearest things I wanted was a PhD. I have slogged and slaved to achieve this goal and, well, 11 years later, I can finally say I’ve completed my PhD.

“I have so much to say, but all I feel now is gratitude. Gratitude to my supervisors, Prof. Ayandiji Daniel AINA, PhD, and Dr Goodnews Osah, for their tireless support and for reading my manuscript multiple times to provide critical insights and corrections. “I am grateful to my father and biggest supporter, Prof. Methuselah Jeremiah, who throughout my academic career has served as a constant advisor and mentor. “To my dear friend, (also soon to be Dr.) Abiola ISIKALU, for always being my first peer reviewer and favourite collaborator. And to so many other people who will certainly receive their thanks both in public and in private. Thank you, truly.”

This milestone has continued generating positive reactions across various platforms, with many congratulating the graduate with comments that read:

Ekene Chimarin says:

“Congratulations, your thesis topic is interesting and will be interesting to read any of your papers. Well done.”

Dr Ahmod Idris Azaitowiy said:

“This is awesome. But, wait, are you people getting this faster track? You are likely to become a PROFESSOR before age 35. A more surprising journey than the Professor AINA saga, the recent JAMB registrar. Congratulations girl. Wishing you many more successes.”