A 50-year-old Nigerian woman named Sade Ajayi, is proving that age is no barrier to learning as she enrolls in junior secondary school to fulfill her lifelong dream of education.
Sade is currently a Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2) student at Ilorin Grammar School, Kwara State, Nigeria. Until recently, she had never attended school.
Now, at age 50, she is determined to learn how to read and write to help improve her business. Already an entrepreneur who sews bags and purses, she believes education will give her an edge in trade and communication.
Shade studies alongside students nearly 40 years younger than her. She wears the same school uniform—a pink dress with a matching head covering—just like the other students.
“I’m not ashamed that I wear a uniform,” Shade said confidently. As a 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥, Shade never had the chance to attend school. Instead, she worked in her aunt’s shop, helping with sales.
Later, she built her own business, making and selling purses and bags. However, she struggled with reading and writing, which made running the business more challenging.
Determined to change her situation, Shade decided to enroll in school in 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools were shut down. Finally, in January 2021, when schools reopened, she got her long-awaited opportunity.
Now, she actively participates in class, sitting among students aged 11 to 13, raising her hand to answer questions, and engaging fully in school activities.
Shade’s teacher, Nasrat Busari, praised her dedication and confidence. “She has been coping well with them: playing together, talking together and discussing things together,” he said.
At first, Shade’s daughter, Shola Adeboye, admitted she felt embarrassed that her mother was attending school with 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren younger than her. However, over time, she grew to admire her mother’s determination and now supports her educational journey.
“She has always wanted to be educated but she couldn’t until now,” Adeboye said.
Despite attending school daily, Shade still runs her business by the side. During school hours, a helper manages her customers, and after school, she continues with her sewing and selling bags and purses.
She plans to complete at least four more years of education, believing it will enhance her business and open new opportunities. Shade also hopes to one day become a class teacher.
“People around me can read and write and they are succeeding in their businesses,” Shade explained.
Despite the criticism and discouragement, Shade remains focused and undeterred. “It’s my duty not to pay attention to what they’re saying,” she said.
