A grandfather of 12 has told others to pursue their dreams after achieving a first-class honours degree from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Chris Osagbaekhoe undertook a bachelor’s degree in social work out of a desire to advocate for vulnerable people.
The father of four said that being a mature student whilst living with a disability was challenging, but that his family, the kindness of Goldsmiths, and his inner drive helped him achieve his success.
Chris lives with pain as a result of having one leg shorter than the other, which rocks his spinal cord when he walks.
Chris, 68, said: “It is never too late to pursue your dream, regardless of age, social status, or medical status.
“I want to encourage people living with disability that there are abilities in disability.
“Your story is not over. Your dream has not expired. Go for it. Yes, you can.”
Chris graduated on 2 September with his wife, Ayo, and his daughter, Uwa Oghagha, by his side, which he said gave him a sense of belonging and happiness.
Despite his degree, Chris has – like many recent graduates – struggled to find a job.
“Employers look at age and decide the applicant doesn’t have enough years to put in,” Chris said, adding that those living with disabilities and mature graduates have a lot to contribute.
Chris was raised in Nigeria and came to the UK in 1989, working various jobs such as security and as an HGV driver before embarking on a degree in Psychology and Counselling at the University of East London in 2012.
He now lives in Thamesmead, south east London.
Chris undertook his second degree in 2022 at a university in west London, but was forced to transfer to Goldsmiths when his course was permanently shut down during his second year.
Chris said the transfer was a big change and that he initially struggled to find his way around the new campus and make friends.
He noted that his fellow students saw him as a father figure – they were a similar age to his eldest granddaughter – and that he was able to make friends with those who looked beyond age.
Being a mature student proved an issue academically: Chris commented that his lecturers were frequently too speedy for him to keep up with.
However, Goldsmiths were an inclusive and supportive institution – Chris thanked Dr Carmen Yau, Louise Villeneau, and all the staff at Goldsmiths for their support during his educational journey.
Louise, who retrained as a social worker when she was 50, said that Chris is a good example of someone whose life experience contributes to their skills as a social worker and said that Chris was an outstanding student.
She added that social work needs people of all ages and perspectives, and encouraged anyone thinking about pursuing further education not to delay.
Dr Yau said: “Mature students like Chris are the power bank of the classroom – they bring lived experience, aptitude and an ‘I can do it’ mentality.”
She noted that Chris was a very nurturing figure and a proactive student, and said: “Students like Chris remind us that education is not only about output – it’s about meaning.”
Chris’s lack of access to education during childhood formed part of his motivation to study in his older age – he described an ‘inner vacuum’ and said he wanted to continue to develop himself.
Chris said: “If I can achieve this at 68, others can too. People are often stronger and more capable than they realise.
“Life experience builds resilience, compassion and wisdom, qualities that are invaluable in social work and in life.”
Feature image courtesy of Goldsmiths, University of London
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