Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, was conferred with an honorary doctorate in Psychology, Guidance and Counselling by the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt.
The recognition was part of the university’s 43rd Convocation Ceremony held on Saturday.
The event drew dignitaries, supporters, and members of various women’s groups, who joined in celebrating the occasion.
A standout moment came when Jonathan joined the Rivers Women Unite For SIM, led by Sotonye Toby Fult, in a lively dance session.
A video of the celebration, now widely shared on social media, shows the former First Lady dancing enthusiastically with the women’s group to the chant, “Na our mama be this ooo…”—a moment that has sparked both admiration and debate online.
Amid the festivities, Patience Jonathan addressed the group in her characteristic pidgin English, encouraging them to pose for a photo before moving on to refreshments: “Make una come. Make we snap, let’s go and eat.”
The viral clip prompted a range of reactions on X (formerly Twitter). While some applauded the honour, others shared lighthearted takes on her transformation over the years.
User @escanor224 remarked, “Awwwn I’m happy for Patience Jonathan. From ‘na only you waka come’ to getting a PhD.
This is why I keep saying bad English is not a marker of intellect.”
Others took a more skeptical view.
User @XtyleL2909 tweeted, “This is satire of the week! Is Patience Jonathan seen celebrating a doctorate—or mocking another ‘MAMA’?”
Another user, @obigoestoschool, reflected on her journey, stating, “Patience Jonathan now has a doctorate.
From ‘na only you waka come’ to Dr. Patience. Hope those who mocked her are still fluent in bitterness?”
Despite the mixed reactions, the honorary degree marks a notable milestone in Jonathan’s public life and ongoing influence.
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