At 68, Chris Osagbaekhoe earns a degree with top honors

At 68, Nigerian Chris Osagbaekhoe has earned a degree in social work with the British distinction of “First Class” from Goldsmiths, University of London. A father of four and grandfather of twelve, he received his diploma on September 2, 2026, in London.

Chris Osagbaekhoe resumed his university studies at the age of 64 in 2022. After an initial course in psychology and counseling from 2013 to 2015, he joined Goldsmiths in 2024 to continue his training in social work.

Born and raised in Nigeria, the graduate now lives in Thamesmead, in southeast London. Goldsmiths notes that he lives with a disability that limits his mobility, an experience that has strengthened his desire to support vulnerable individuals and advocate for those whose voices are often unheard.

His teacher, Carmen Yau, praised his journey marked by determination, courage, and hope. The university also shared his message with older students and individuals with disabilities: age should not be a barrier to pursuing educational goals.

Chris Osagbaekhoe is now seeking his first position as a qualified social worker. He also aims to create a community project for youth to help steer them away from delinquency.