- The former Ondo State first lady, Dr Anyanwu-Akeredolu, earned her doctorate from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo, at 71
- Despite a number of distractions, Anyanwu-Akeredolu remained dedicated to her academic endeavours, starting in 1997.
- In her dedication to her late husband, Aketi, Dr Anyanwu-Akeredolu thanked him for his unflinching support during her doctoral studies.
At 71, the former first lady of Ondo State and widow of the late Rotimi Akeredolu completed a milestone in academia by earning a doctorate degree from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State.
Akeredolu, who initially has three degrees, testifies that she has never found learning to be an obstacle despite the distractions surrounding her, from founding the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria after she had battled with one to contesting for certain political positions.
The aquaculturist shared how she had commenced her academic journey from 1997 to the present.
During the combined 34th and 35th convocation program at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, on November 30th, Anyanwu-Akeredolu held a celebration party with families and friends and also launched her book.
In her speech, "Mission Accomplished: Better Late Than Never," she reflected on her academic journey, specifically her PhD Thesis, titled "Comparative Bio-technical Models for the Production of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings using Solar Powered Recirculating Aquaculture System."
She attributed the accomplishment of this milestone to her husband's unwavering support throughout her doctoral studies. With heartfelt gratitude, she dedicated this achievement to the love of her life, Aketi.
She stated: “I dedicate this PhD to Aketi, my love, Arakunrin mi, Mr. Talk n Do, the Amotekun Generalissimo, who always believed I belonged in academia and urged me to pursue a career within the university system.
“At every point when things didn’t work out as planned, Aketi would counsel me to finish ‘this PhD.’ He would joke that if I wasn’t careful, my granddaughter Jojo might get a PhD before me! I wish Aketi was here to witness this day when the mission has been accomplished. Though late, at last, it’s done!”
Anyanwi-Akeredolu launches book, Compendium of Tributes
For Dr Anyanwu-Akeredolu, family, friends and associates, it was a double moment of celebration because the event featured the launching of her book titled Compendium of Tributes, which commemorated her 70th birthday
In order to address food insecurity in Nigeria, Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu's research focuses on boosting fish output, which she calls creative. She was proud of its real-world uses and its capacity to have a big influence.
"Without sounding immodest, my research can tackle the problem of food insecurity in the country," she stated.
In gratitude, she thanked her late husband's family and friends for their support and thanked everyone who helped make her research a success, mentioning with fondness those who were instrumental in her path.
6 graduands earn full PhD scholarships at UI’s 76th convocation
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that 6 graduates with over 7.99 CGPA earned full PhD scholarships at UI's 76th convocation for academic excellence.
The scholars were urged to innovate and contribute to Nigeria’s growth as proud ambassadors of the University of Ibadan.