“Your Dreams Do Not Expire Because of Your Age” — Chris Osagbaekhoe
A 68-year-old Nigerian-born grandfather, Chris Osagbaekhoe, has achieved a remarkable academic feat after graduating with a first-class degree in Social Work from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Osagbaekhoe, who was born and raised in Nigeria and now lives in Thamesmead, south-east London, received his BA (Hons) in Social Work during a graduation ceremony held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster on September 2.
The father of four and grandfather of 12 began studying Social Work at the age of 64, embarking on a journey that would ultimately see him graduate with one of the highest academic honours.
For Osagbaekhoe, however, the achievement goes beyond earning a university degree. He said his decision to return to education was driven by a desire to support vulnerable people, empower individuals and speak up for people whose voices are often ignored.
“Part of the inspiration was to empower people to empower themselves, and part of the motivation was to be a voice to the voiceless – that was my inner drive,” he said.
Before studying Social Work, Osagbaekhoe had already returned to education later in life, studying psychology and counselling between 2013 and 2015.
His journey into Social Work was not without challenges. According to Goldsmiths, he experienced setbacks during his academic journey and eventually transferred to the university in 2024.
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Despite the difficulties, he refused to abandon his ambition.
His own experience with disability also played an important role in shaping his passion for advocacy and supporting others.
“There are abilities in disability. My lived experience has given me empathy, understanding and the determination to empower others,” Osagbaekhoe said.
The 68-year-old graduate said he hopes his achievement will serve as an inspiration to mature students and people living with disabilities who may feel that age or personal circumstances have placed limits on their ambitions.
“If I can achieve this at 68, others can too. People are often far stronger and more capable than they realise,” he said.
Osagbaekhoe attributed his success to resilience, faith and the support he received from Goldsmiths during his studies.
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“I’m happy there were challenges along the way, but because of resilience and faith, and the support from Goldsmiths University, we are celebrating success today,” he said.
His remarkable journey also earned praise from Dr Carmen Yau, a lecturer in Social Work at Goldsmiths.
Dr Yau described Osagbaekhoe’s journey as one of “extraordinary determination, courage, and hope”.
She said his story demonstrated the transformative power of education at every stage of life and reflected important values at the heart of Social Work, including resilience and belief in people’s potential.
Now a qualified Social Worker, Osagbaekhoe is seeking his first professional role in the field.
But his ambitions extend beyond securing employment.
He hopes to establish a community-based project or community centre aimed at supporting young people and helping steer them away from crime.
A talented multi-instrumentalist, Osagbaekhoe also plays the drums, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar and trumpet. He hopes to draw on his musical abilities as another way of inspiring and positively influencing the younger generation.
As he celebrates a milestone that began with a decision to return to education at 64, Osagbaekhoe has a message for anyone who believes they are too old to pursue a dream.
“Your dreams do not expire because of your age.”
His story stands as a powerful reminder that academic ambition, personal growth and the pursuit of purpose do not have an age limit.
At 68, Chris Osagbaekhoe has not only earned a first-class degree; he has also demonstrated that determination can turn a long-held ambition into reality, regardless of the obstacles or the number of years that have passed.
