“She Went Back to Write WAEC at 45”: Influencer Enioluwa Celebrates His Mother’s Inspiring Academic Journey as She Bags a PhD

Social media influencer and media personality, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, has set the internet abuzz with an emotional and heartwarming tribute to his mother, Dr. (Mrs.) Bola Adeoluwa, who recently earned her doctorate degree after an extraordinary academic journey marked by resilience, perseverance, and courage.

In a post that has since gone viral, Enioluwa poured out his admiration for his mother’s determination, revealing that she now stands tall with two first degrees, two master’s degrees, a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), and a PhD. The news has stirred an outpouring of love and admiration across social media platforms, with many Nigerians hailing her as the embodiment of discipline and dedication.

According to Enioluwa, while most people have often associated academics with his father, a Professor, his mother’s brilliance and persistence in education have often gone unnoticed. “When it comes to academics, everyone always talks about my dad, and rightly so—he’s a Professor. But my mum? She’s not often remembered in that same light,” he wrote. “It’s always been business for her. Yet what most people don’t know is that she’s always been the quiet force behind the scenes, the one who sat through our debates, cheered at every quiz, and showed up for every prize-giving day.”

He continued by highlighting how his mother’s strength and consistency taught him and his siblings invaluable life lessons beyond the classroom. “While she may not have been the one people associated with academics, she taught us something even more powerful: the everyday skills that shape a person—resilience, perseverance, and strength.”

Enioluwa’s post went on to detail his mother’s remarkable educational comeback story—a story that many described as both humbling and motivating. He shared that his mother, driven by her passion for learning and self-improvement, decided to return to school in her mid-40s, even retaking her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) because she needed to pass Mathematics to pursue her dream. At 45, she enrolled for another first degree, a decision that would eventually pave the way for her to achieve the ultimate academic milestone: a PhD.

“That’s resilience. That’s strength. That’s the unwavering backbone she’s always been,” Enioluwa wrote with pride. “Even in the quiet moments when no one was watching, she showed up for herself. She’s my biggest inspiration.”

He concluded his message with a heartfelt call to celebrate his mother’s achievement, referring to her as “an incredible mother, mentor, and trailblazer.”

Online, the story has sparked conversations about determination, age, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Many users on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook flooded comment sections with congratulatory messages and personal reflections. One user wrote, “Dr. Bola Adeoluwa is a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Writing WAEC again at 45 and earning a PhD later? That’s iconic.” Another commented, “This story gave me goosebumps. A mother who didn’t just raise successful children but became a symbol of strength herself—truly inspiring.”

For others, Enioluwa’s tribute resonated deeply because it shed light on the often-overlooked efforts of mothers who work silently behind the scenes to build their families’ legacies. His acknowledgment of his mother’s sacrifices and triumphs added a layer of authenticity to the viral post, making it not just a celebration of an academic achievement, but also a reflection of gratitude and love.

Dr. Bola Adeoluwa’s journey challenges societal expectations and stereotypes surrounding age and education, particularly for women. In a world where many believe that academic pursuits have an expiry date, her story stands as proof that learning truly has no limits. Her return to school at 45, after already raising children and supporting a household, speaks to a rare kind of tenacity that continues to inspire countless people across generations.

Beyond the academic achievement, many online observers praised her as a role model for women who have deferred their dreams for family or other responsibilities. Her decision to return to education at a stage in life when many would have given up, underscores the belief that success is not linear and that purpose can be rediscovered at any age.

Enioluwa’s mother is not just a scholar; she represents a generation of women who quietly defied limitations while nurturing the ambitions of others. In his post, Enioluwa recalled how she was always present during his formative years, attending his debates, supporting his academic competitions, and celebrating every small victory. She wasn’t just a mother in the traditional sense—she was his cheerleader, counselor, and moral compass.

Now, with her new title of “Doctor,” she has added another feather to her already distinguished cap. Her multiple degrees—two first degrees, two master’s, a PGD, and a PhD—reflect not only her intellectual curiosity but also her extraordinary commitment to continuous self-growth.

For many of Enioluwa’s fans, this revelation offers a glimpse into the foundation of his own drive and success. Known for his eloquence, creativity, and strong values, the influencer’s admiration for his mother explains much about his own approach to life and career. “Now we understand where he got his brilliance and determination from,” one fan commented under the post. “Dr. Bola’s story shows that excellence runs in the family.”

As congratulatory messages continue to pour in, many Nigerians have also used the moment to reflect on their own educational goals and life ambitions. Some shared stories of returning to school after years away, while others admitted that Dr. Bola’s story reignited their motivation to pursue dreams they had long abandoned.

In a country where education remains a challenging pursuit for many, especially women balancing family and career, Dr. Adeoluwa’s success feels even more significant. Her achievement goes beyond personal glory—it symbolizes hope, endurance, and the unyielding spirit of the Nigerian woman who refuses to be defined by age, circumstance, or expectation.

Indeed, her journey reminds us that true success is not measured by how quickly we reach our goals, but by our willingness to keep moving forward, no matter how long it takes. Whether in one’s teens, forties, or sixties, the pursuit of knowledge remains one of life’s most fulfilling adventures.

For Enioluwa, this moment is more than a family celebration—it is a public acknowledgment of the woman who not only shaped his values but also demonstrated that greatness is built through patience and persistence. His pride in his mother is evident, and it’s a sentiment that has touched hearts nationwide.

As social media continues to celebrate Dr. (Mrs.) Bola Adeoluwa, her story stands as a timeless reminder that it’s never too late to dream again, to learn again, and to rise again. Her journey—filled with courage, humility, and purpose—will remain an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of lifelong learning.

Congratulations to Dr. Bola Adeoluwa, a true definition of grace, grit, and glory.