Nigerian woman, Uzzibi Methuselah, has shared her inspiring academic journey after successfully graduating from Babcock University, where she completed her PhD.
She revealed that her ambition to earn a doctorate began early, noting that as far back as 2015, when she was just 15 years old and had completed her secondary school education, she already envisioned attaining a PhD.
In a post shared on her LinkedIn page, she reflected on how that long held dream has now become reality.
She wrote:
“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 Deradicalization and Human Security in Northeast Nigeria” and was declared a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science with a specialization in Defense and Strategic Studies.”
She further recounted how the vision first took shape during her final days in secondary school after sitting for her last WASSCE paper, explaining that she began thinking seriously about her future and set her sights on earning a doctorate within a decade.
She wrote:
“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 Methuselah also expressed deep appreciation for her academic supervisors, acknowledging their guidance and support throughout her research journey.
She equally paid tribute to her father, Professor Methuselah Jeremiah, crediting him as an important influence in her educational success and development.
“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 over and over again 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.”
Also, a friend of hers was also mentioned and appreciated: “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.”
See her post below:
Here are some of the reactions to her post:
Emmanuel Seun Kupoluyi said: “I’ll really love to read the findings of your thesis. Please you can share DOIs with me when published.”
Musah Abudulai said: “Congratulations, your thesis topic is interesting and will be interesting to read any of your papers. Well done.”
Ekene Chimarin said: “Dr Hallowed Olu clinched it at 24. You were close. But you certainly are among Nigeria’s finest. Welldone!!!”
Dr Ahmod Idris Azaitowiy said: “This is awaresome. 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 success.
