68-Year-Old Nigerian Grandfather Earns First-Class Degree

Chris Osagbaekhoe, a 68-year-old Nigerian-born grandfather, graduated with a first-class degree in Social Work from Goldsmiths, University of London, on September 2, 2026. The graduation ceremony took place at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster.

Osagbaekhoe, who is a father of four and grandfather of 12, currently resides in Thamesmead, south-east London. He previously pursued a psychology and counselling degree from 2013 to 2015 before transitioning into social work, motivated by a desire to assist vulnerable individuals and advocate for the voiceless.

He began his Social Work degree at the age of 64 and transferred to Goldsmiths in 2024 after facing academic setbacks. The institution praised his determination to complete his studies.

Osagbaekhoe expressed that living with a disability provided him with valuable perspective and hopes his story will encourage others, particularly those with disabilities and mature students, to pursue their academic aspirations. He stated, “If I can achieve this at 68, others can too.”.