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.
Ige, who was the cynosure of eyes during the 54th convocation ceremony held on Thursday, disclosed how she suffered divorce and remarried during her academic voyage.
“During this PhD program, 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 program 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 her pursuit of her Ph.D. program, thanking her supervisors for their support.
“Well, it was not all gloomy while on the program. Amidst the trials with 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, she 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 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 graduated students, urging them to be good examples to society and solve problems.