The University of Lagos (UNILAG’s) overall best doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) student in mathematics, Dr Ige Aminat Olawunmi, has revealed how she experienced marital turbulence while pursuing her academic dreams, the Daily Trust reports.
During the 54th convocation ceremony on Thursday, Ige, who was the centre of attention, disclosed that she experienced divorce and remarriage during her academic journey.
“During this PhD programme, I got divorced, suffered depression, two armed robbery attacks, surgeries, and several bouts of malaria. However, for every step backwards, I took three forwards in recovery.”
“While the programme was winding up, I started a mentorship community, and the beautiful part of it all was that while on the programme, I got married. This time around to the adorable man I think of. A man who supports my dreams and ambition,” she said.
The awardee narrated her ordeal, adding that she battled health challenges but survived all during the pursuit of her PhD program, thanking her supervisors for their support.
“Well, it was not all gloomy while on the programme. Amidst the trials of this nature of I no gree for failure- I started an NGO, and during these trying periods, my supervisor stood rightly by me,” she added.
However, the Best PhD Thesis Awardee urged the federal government and state governments to support the education sector, calling for the proper welfare of university lecturers.
“It is not unpopular that university lecturers are poorly rewarded, and students don’t want to be like us when they grow up. I therefore appeal to President Bola Tinubu, the governor of my state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other state governors to look into the state of their academics and bring us renewed hope.
“The private sector is not left out. They are the highest beneficiaries of the products of our institutions,” she added.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, congratulated the graduating students, urging them to be good examples to society and solve problems.
