A Nigerian scholar, Uzzibi Methuselah, has inspired many online after sharing her remarkable academic journey from a secondary school student with big dreams to earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Babcock University.…....
Taking to her LinkedIn page, Uzzibi reflected on how she first envisioned obtaining a PhD at the age of 15 shortly after completing her WASSCE examinations in 2015. According to her, the dream remained one of the clearest long-term goals she ever set for herself.
“At 15, I dreamed it. At 26, I did it,” she wrote while announcing the successful defense of her PhD thesis titled “Boko Haram Deradicalization and Human Security in Northeast Nigeria.”
She revealed that she has now officially earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Political Science with specialization in Defense and Strategic Studies.
Recalling the moment the dream began, she said:
“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.”
Uzzibi also used the opportunity to express gratitude to those who supported her academic journey, especially her supervisors, Prof. Ayandiji Daniel Aina and Dr. Goodnews Osah, for their guidance and continuous review of her research work.
She further appreciated her father, Methuselah Jeremiah, whom she described as her biggest supporter, mentor, and adviser throughout her academic career. She also acknowledged her friend and collaborator, Abiola Isikalu, for being her “first peer reviewer” and constant support system.
Her inspiring story has since attracted praise online, with many social media users commending her dedication, discipline, and determination in achieving a lifelong academic goal at a relatively young age.
See the post below;
Reactions as lady bags a PhD at 26, see below;
Aisha Yusuf wrote, “Huge congratulations, Uzzibi I. This is a powerful reminder of what intentional academic pursuit looks like. Defending a PhD thesis at 26 on a topic as complex and critical as deradicalization and human security is deeply inspiring. It takes a unique level of focus to hold onto a dream from age 15 and methodically build the research stamina to execute it 11 years later.”
AGBOTI PRECIOUS said, “Massive congratulations, Uzzibi I. Seeing your success on my timeline absolutely made my day! I had this exact dream for myself, but life threw curveballs: graduated at 19(2019), defended in 2020, waited a year for NYSC(2021). In 2022, I got mobillised and finished service in 2023. Extreme poverty almost ended my education, but I stayed resilient. By 2024, I found stability, returned to school, and at 25, I am now a proud Master’s holder. Your milestone proves to me that regardless of the timeline, someone can make it. Onward to greater heights!”
Atoyebi Kayode commented, “The hardest part of long-term ambition isn’t execution. It’s surviving the years where your vision still looks irrational to everyone except you. Congratulations 🎊 on this fresh height attained. It goes beyond celebration, it’s an inspiration to us all.”
‘Deji AKERELE reacted, “This is big feat, heartiest felicitations to you. Do you mind to share the highlights of your research, it’s a topical issue that some of us we love to read/learn about? Wishing you a sterling career.”
Nduneche Ezurike PhD reacted, “Congrats Uzzibi for this feat. I am deeply excited about your focus and commitment in an age when most of your colleagues may find your venture boring. Secondly I want to salute you for highlighting the role of your parents. The truth is that we can’t outsource parenting and expect any great outcome. The deficiencies we see in the society today is actually powered by parents. Lastly beyond the race for speed and age, is impact. Nigeria needs scholars who can change the status quo “ante bellum”😁 and we are looking up to you to make that big difference. Wishing you the best that you truly deserve.”
