A Story of Resilience and Triumph
Olaonipekun Ibukunoluwa, a 33-year-old single mother, has turned what many might see as a setback into an extraordinary success story. She recently graduated with a First Class degree in Social Work from Babcock University in 2025, proving that determination and resilience can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
In an interview with Open Conversations on YouTube, Olaonipekun shared her journey, highlighting how she overcame the stigma associated with being “too old” and a single mother to achieve academic excellence.
Her educational journey began in 2013 when she completed her OND in Science Lab Technology from Kwara State Polytechnic with an Upper Credit. While she didn’t receive a distinction, she remained confident in her abilities. However, the central crisis that shaped her path was becoming a single mother.
Olaonipekun recounted the emotional turmoil of becoming pregnant while still in a relationship. At one point, she even considered abortion but was deterred by the clinic’s environment and the doctor’s approach. The betrayal came when her partner abandoned her, forcing her to stop working and face the challenges of raising a child alone.
The societal judgment she faced was overwhelming. She described feeling ashamed and hiding her pregnancy because she was seen as a “church girl.” As a result, she lost her leadership roles in her church, including choir and youth ministry. Despite this, her family and some friends stood by her.
After giving birth to her son, Oluwadarasimi, she moved to Ibadan in 2016, taking on difficult jobs to support herself and her child. It was during this time that mentors like Pastor and Dr Mrs. Olaore encouraged her to return to school.
In 2020, they urged her to start again, despite her initial reluctance. She had to restart from the beginning, entering university at around 28 or 29 years old. Her journey was not without challenges, including losing her admission in the second semester due to her own negligence with documents.
There were moments when she felt discouraged, especially when someone told her, “What’s the point? You’re old, just go and get married.” But she refused to give up, driven by the need to provide a better life for her son.
A turning point came when the Olaore family advised her to take the JUPEB exam to gain direct entry into 200 level. This decision changed her trajectory, allowing her to skip 100 level and focus on her studies.
Despite the mental strain of being away from her son and facing cruel comments about her age, Olaonipekun remained determined. She recalled instances where people called her names, making her feel frustrated and questioning why they hated her so much.
In her third year, she faced another challenge when she felt emotionally and physically drained. She even considered giving up on her dream of achieving a First Class. However, her son’s encouragement reignited her resolve. He reminded her that if he could achieve first in class, so could she, pushing her to make him proud.
Olaonipekun credits her success to her support systems, including her mother, sister, and friends. Her sister has been paying for her son’s school fees for years, allowing her to focus on her studies. She expressed deep gratitude for their unwavering support.
She also used her platform to challenge the stigma faced by single mothers, emphasizing that children are gifts from God, regardless of the circumstances. Her message is clear: don’t hide your child; embrace them and celebrate their existence.
Olaonipekun’s journey is a testament to the power of love, support, and perseverance. She encourages others to value their networks and show effort, believing that with the right support, anyone can achieve their goals.
Her story adds to a long list of Nigerian inspirational tales, such as Abraham Oladebeye, who graduated with a 4.94 CGPA at the age of 43, and Nwankwo Anyamaobi, who earned a First Class in Economics at 41. These stories highlight that it’s never too late to pursue education and achieve greatness.
