At 15, I dreamed it, at 26, I did It” – Lady bags PhD from Babcock with Boko Haram thesis

A young Nigerian lady, Uzzibi Methuselah, has gone viral after announcing that she has successfully earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from Babcock University at the age of 26.

She shared her academic journey on LinkedIn, where she reflected on how she set her eyes on earning a PhD as far back as her teenage years.

“At 15, I Dreamed It” – Lady Says

According to her, the dream began in 2015, shortly after she completed her WASSCE exams at the age of 15.

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.”

Reflection on Her Academic Journey

Looking back, she described how that moment in the exam hall shaped her long-term ambition.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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