A 68-year-old grandfather of twelve has marked an inspiring milestone by graduating with honours in social work from Goldsmiths, University of London. Chris Osagbaekhoe’s achievement, which took place on September 2nd, serves not only as a personal triumph but also as a beacon of hope for those facing challenges in life, particularly older adults and individuals with disabilities.
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Originally hailing from Nigeria, Osagbaekhoe has lived with chronic pain due to disabilities that affect his legs and spine. This personal struggle has fuelled his desire to pursue a degree in social work, as he aims to advocate for and empower vulnerable groups. “I am a person that lives with a disability,” he shared on the day of his graduation, emphasising the importance of using his experiences to give a voice to the voiceless.
His aspirations are driven by a commitment to help others, inspired by his own life experiences. “Part of the inspiration was to empower people to empower themselves,” he explained, highlighting a desire to uplift those in similarly challenging situations. Osagbaekhoe hopes his story demonstrates that no one’s dreams should fade away simply due to their age or health conditions.
“There are abilities in disability,” he remarked, reflecting on the strengths that can emerge from overcoming challenges. Drawing on his lived experience, he has developed empathy and determination, hoping to see others regain their confidence and live with dignity. Encouraging those uncertain about their ambitions, he affirmed, “Your dreams do not expire because of your age,” reiterating that he believes it is never too late to pursue one’s goals.
Osagbaekhoe attributes his age and the wisdom that comes with it as valuable contributions to his future work in social work. He has a firm belief that life experience grants resilience and compassion, traits that are crucial not just in social work, but in all aspects of life. “People are often far stronger and more capable than they realise,” he said, underlining the importance of sharing one’s journey and encouraging others to recognise their potential.
Dr. Carmen Yau, a professor of social work at Goldsmiths, praised Osagbaekhoe’s determination, describing his journey as exemplifying courage and hope. She noted that his story serves as a powerful reminder of education’s transformative potential at any point in life. “It speaks to the values that underpin social work and our education at Goldsmiths: belief in people’s potential, resilience, and the power of hope,” she remarked, reinforcing the importance of his achievement.
Osagbaekhoe’s graduation stands as a noteworthy event not just for him, but for those around him who may feel their challenges are insurmountable. His message to other students and individuals facing disabilities goes beyond academic success; it is about realising one’s worth and capabilities regardless of circumstances.
As he embarks on his new journey, he hopes his accomplishments will inspire others to pursue their own paths. With a determination to advocate for those needing support, Osagbaekhoe’s graduation marks not only a personal victory but also promotes a broader narrative about resilience, empowerment, and the belief that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams.
With strong foundations built on resilience and compassion, Osagbaekhoe steps into the world of social work ready to make a profound impact, proving that age and disability should never serve as barriers to achieving one’s goals. His story is a testament to the idea that education and ambition can bridge gaps, fostering a world where aspirations are achievable, irrespective of life’s hurdles.