Meet Nigerian grandfather who bagged first-class from UK varsity at 68

Chris Osagbaekhoe at his graduation celebration. Photo: Goldsmiths, University of London

A Nigerian-born grandfather, Chris Osagbaekhoe, has graduated with a first-class degree in Social Work from Goldsmiths, University of London, at the age of 68.

Osagbaekhoe, who lives in Thamesmead, south-east London, completed the four-year course after enrolling as a mature student at 64, the BBC reported.

Born and raised in Nigeria, the 68-year-old previously studied Psychology and Counselling between 2013 and 2015 before deciding to pursue Social Work.

According to the BBC on Friday, Osagbaekhoe said his decision to study Social Work was driven by his desire to help vulnerable people and empower them to overcome their challenges.

“Part of the inspiration was to empower people to empower themselves, and part of the motivation was to be a voice to the voiceless – that was my inner drive,” he said.

Goldsmiths, in a report published on its website, said Osagbaekhoe is a father of four, grandfather of 12 and a person living with a disability.

The university said his experience of living with a disability encouraged him to become an advocate for people whose voices are often unheard.

“There are abilities in disability. My lived experience has given me empathy, understanding and the determination to empower others,” Osagbaekhoe said in the university’s report.

“Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing people overcome adversity, regaining confidence and living with dignity.”

According to Goldsmiths, Osagbaekhoe began his Social Work degree in 2022 and transferred to the university in 2024 after experiencing setbacks in his academic journey.

Despite the challenges, the university said he remained focused on his goal of supporting vulnerable people, protecting families and helping individuals overcome difficulties.

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Speaking about his experience after collecting his degree, Osagbaekhoe told the BBC that the journey had involved challenges but that he was grateful for the support he received.

“I’m happy there were challenges along the way, but because of resilience and faith, and the support from Goldsmiths University, we are celebrating success today,” he said.

Goldsmiths also quoted Osagbaekhoe as saying his achievement should encourage other people to pursue their passions regardless of their age.

“If I can achieve this at 68, others can too. People are often far stronger and more capable than they realise. Life experience builds resilience, compassion and wisdom, qualities that are invaluable in social work and in life,” he said.

The university said Osagbaekhoe is now seeking his first role as a qualified social worker.

According to the BBC, he also hopes to establish a community project for young people, with the aim of helping them avoid crime.

Goldsmiths said he hopes his graduation will particularly inspire mature students and people living with disabilities to pursue their ambitions.

As he walked across the stage during his graduation, Osagbaekhoe carried a message he hoped others would remember.

“Your dreams do not expire because of your age,” he said.

Dr Carmen Yau, a lecturer in Social Work at Goldsmiths, described Osagbaekhoe’s journey as one of “extraordinary determination, courage, and hope”.

Yau, according to the university, said his story demonstrated that education could be transformative at any stage of life and reflected the values of social work, including belief in people’s potential, resilience and hope.