68-Year-Old Nigerian Grandfather Graduates with First-Class Honours in Social Work in London
At an age when many people are enjoying retirement and reflecting on their life’s accomplishments, Nigerian-born Chris Osagbaekhoe has shown that it is never too late to pursue a new dream.
The 68-year-old father of four and grandfather of 12 has graduated from Goldsmiths, University of London with First-Class Honours in BA (Hons) Social Work, marking an extraordinary academic achievement and the culmination of a journey driven by resilience, compassion and a desire to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people.
Chris, who was born and raised in Nigeria and now lives in Thamesmead, south-east London, decided to return to education later in life with a clear purpose: to become an advocate for people who may struggle to have their voices heard.
His achievement is particularly significant because his decision to study social work was influenced not only by his passion for helping others but also by his own experience of living with a disability.
A Journey That Began Years Earlier
Chris’s journey into higher education did not begin with social work.
Between 2013 and 2015, he studied Psychology and Counselling, developing an interest in human behaviour, emotional wellbeing and the challenges people face throughout their lives.
Several years later, in 2022, Chris made another major decision. At around 64 years old, he enrolled to study Social Work as a mature student.
For Chris, the decision was about more than earning another qualification. He wanted to develop the knowledge and professional skills needed to advocate for vulnerable people, protect families and support individuals facing difficult circumstances.
His lived experience also played an important role in shaping his ambitions.
Chris has spoken about how living with a disability helped him understand some of the challenges people can face and strengthened his determination to advocate for others whose voices are often overlooked.
“There are abilities in disability,” he said, explaining that his lived experience had given him empathy, understanding and a determination to empower others.
For him, helping people overcome adversity, regain confidence and live with dignity became a powerful motivation for pursuing a career in social work.
Starting University at 64
Beginning a demanding professional degree in his 60s was never going to be an ordinary journey.
While many mature students face the challenge of balancing education with family, personal responsibilities and other commitments, Chris also had to navigate setbacks during his studies.
His academic journey was not straightforward. He experienced difficulties that eventually led him to transfer to Goldsmiths in 2024.
Rather than allowing those setbacks to end his education, however, Chris continued.
He remained focused on his goal and carried on with his studies, determined to complete the qualification he had started.
That persistence eventually resulted in one of the highest academic achievements possible at undergraduate level.
Chris graduated with First-Class Honours in Social Work.
Turning Personal Experience Into Purpose
For Chris, social work is closely connected to his desire to help people overcome difficult circumstances.
His own experiences have helped shape the kind of professional he hopes to become — someone who understands the importance of listening, empathy, dignity and advocacy.
Social work requires professionals to support individuals, families and communities while navigating complex personal and social challenges. Goldsmiths describes its Social Work programme as combining academic and professional preparation, with students developing the knowledge, skills and values required to practise as reflective and ethical social workers.
Chris’s background and life experience therefore bring an additional perspective to his professional ambitions.
Rather than viewing his age or disability as barriers, he has used them as sources of strength and understanding.
His story demonstrates how personal challenges can sometimes become part of the motivation to create positive change for others.
Overcoming Setbacks and Continuing Forward
One of the most remarkable aspects of Chris’s story is that his success did not come without obstacles.
After encountering setbacks during his studies, he transferred to Goldsmiths in 2024.
Transferring institutions while pursuing a demanding professional degree could easily have caused someone to abandon the journey. Chris chose a different path.
He continued working towards his goal and eventually reached the finish line.
His graduation is therefore not simply a story about academic performance. It is also a story about perseverance.
It shows what can happen when someone continues moving forward despite delays, difficulties and unexpected changes along the way.
For mature students in particular, his experience offers a powerful reminder that taking a longer route does not mean failing.
Sometimes the journey simply takes a different shape.
Goldsmiths’ Role in His Achievement
Chris has spoken positively about his experience at Goldsmiths and credited the university with helping him reach his potential.
He said Goldsmiths created an environment where determination, hard work and commitment could thrive, adding that he was grateful for the university’s encouragement, academic excellence and inclusive values.
The university’s Social Work programme places emphasis on social justice, equality and anti-oppressive practice, while recognising the individual experiences and qualities that students bring to their professional training.
For someone whose own life experience has shaped his desire to advocate for others, that environment appears to have been particularly meaningful.
A New Chapter Begins at 68
Graduation may mark the end of Chris’s time as a student, but it is also the beginning of another chapter.
He is now looking for his first professional role as a qualified social worker.
After spending years preparing academically and developing his understanding of social work, he hopes to put his knowledge and lived experience into practice by supporting people and families who need help.
His ambition is not simply to hold a qualification but to use it meaningfully.
Chris wants to contribute to the lives of vulnerable people, advocate for individuals whose voices may not always be heard and help people overcome difficult periods in their lives.
At 68, his professional journey is only beginning.
An Inspiration to Mature Students
Chris’s story carries a message that extends well beyond the classroom.
For mature students considering returning to education, his achievement demonstrates that age does not have to determine what is possible.
Someone may begin a degree in their 60s, encounter setbacks along the way and still graduate at the highest undergraduate classification.
For people living with disabilities, his journey carries another important message.
Chris’s experience shows that disability does not have to define the limits of a person’s ambitions.
Instead, lived experience can sometimes provide qualities such as empathy, resilience and determination that can become powerful strengths.
His story also challenges the idea that education belongs only to the young.
Learning can take place at any stage of life, and people’s ambitions can evolve as their experiences change.
“Your Dreams Do Not Expire Because of Your Age”
As Chris celebrated his graduation, he reflected on what his achievement could mean for other people.
He hopes his story will encourage mature students and people living with disabilities to continue pursuing their ambitions, even when the journey becomes difficult.
His message is simple but powerful:
“Your dreams do not expire because of your age.”
He also encouraged people to recognise that they may be more capable and resilient than they realise.
“If I can achieve this at 68, others can too,” Chris said, adding that life experience can build resilience, compassion and wisdom — qualities that are valuable both in social work and in life.
A Story of Resilience, Purpose and Possibility
Chris Osagbaekhoe’s journey from Nigeria to London, from studying Psychology and Counselling to pursuing Social Work in his 60s, and from facing academic setbacks to graduating with First-Class Honours, is a powerful example of perseverance.
His story is not simply about earning a degree.
It is about finding purpose, responding to personal challenges with determination and refusing to allow age or circumstance to decide what the future can look like.
As he begins searching for his first role as a qualified social worker, Chris takes with him not only an impressive academic achievement but also decades of life experience and a deeply personal commitment to helping others.
His journey serves as an encouragement to anyone who has ever wondered whether it is too late to start again.
For Chris, the answer is clear.
It is never too late to pursue a meaningful dream.
And at 68, his next chapter is just beginning.
Join Naija UK Connect
Stay updated with the latest UK visa sponsorship jobs, relocation opportunities, and career guides tailored for Nigerians through Naija UK Connect.
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
Facebook: Naija UK Connect
Instagram: @naijaukconnect
