“I was not ashamed”: Patience Jonathan shares gritty journey from First Lady to PhD

DDM News

Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan recently opened up about her deeply personal academic journey.

She spoke during a Sunday service at Streams of Joy International Church in Abuja, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

The session, led by Pastor Jerry Eze, became a platform for testimony, encouragement, and spiritual reflection.

Her story revealed the often unseen struggles behind academic pursuit, even for someone with national and international recognition.

Dame Jonathan began by admitting that she felt unprepared when she enrolled for her doctorate.

Despite her leadership background, postgraduate research posed an entirely different kind of challenge.

“I was not ashamed oo,” she said with candor and laughter.

“I would raise my hand to ask questions, sometimes three times, before I could understand.”

She described feeling a deep sense of calling that urged her forward despite doubts.

Private moments of prayer, she said, gave her courage when others questioned her decision.

Her faith became a compass, especially during moments of fear and uncertainty.

This spiritual strength kept her going when logic suggested she stop.

One of the biggest challenges she faced was travel.

Each week, she journeyed by road from Abuja to Port Harcourt.

The trips could take several days, with demanding academic schedules waiting at the destination.

Balancing these with family responsibilities tested her strength and focus.

She likened the intensity of her program to decades, not years.

The rhythm of travel and study built resilience, even when exhaustion crept in.

In the lecture halls, she sat among much younger classmates.

Discussions sometimes moved faster than she could follow, but she remained undeterred.

Her humility became a lesson in itself.

She asked questions, embraced repetition, and refused to let embarrassment hinder her learning.

She believed that learning requires patience, especially for those starting later in life.

This belief shaped her attitude and perseverance.

As graduation approached, Dame Jonathan reflected on what the doctorate truly meant.

It wasn’t just a certificate; it was a testimony of growth.

It showed that personal development doesn’t end after public service or age milestones.

Her story echoed the power of persistence over privilege.

She credited family, church friends, and spiritual mentors for keeping her motivated.

Their support provided the emotional and spiritual scaffolding she needed.

Faith communities, she said, can fuel ambition and steady commitment.

Her journey became more than personal, it became communal.

In her closing remarks, she encouraged listeners to chase their dreams without fear.

“Let no one stop you,” she said passionately.

“If I can do it, you can too,” she added.

Her story resonated as a call to courage and lifelong learning.

Dame Patience Jonathan’s journey stood as a reminder that growth has no expiration date.

Faith, determination, and support can turn obstacles into milestones.

Her honest testimony touched hearts and lit hope in many others.

Indeed, she did not just earn a PhD, she earned inspiration.

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