From Church Shame to Academic Triumph: How a Single Mother Earned First Class at Babcock University

At 33, Olaonipekun Ibukunoluwa overcame the shame of single motherhood, community rejection, and age discrimination to earn a First Class degree in Social Work from Babcock University, driven by her son’s encouragement, unwavering support from mentors and family, and an unbreakable resolve to rewrite her story.

At 33, Olaonipekun Ibukunoluwa turned pain into purpose, rising above the deep-rooted stigma of single motherhood, societal judgment, and age-based discrimination to earn a prestigious First Class degree in Social Work from Babcock University. Her path to academic excellence was anything but traditional — marked by personal trials, public shame, and quiet battles fought behind closed doors.

Once a vibrant young woman immersed in church leadership, her world turned upside down after an unplanned pregnancy. The church that once embraced her as a choir member and youth leader became a space of condemnation, stripping her of positions and leaving her to wrestle with rejection, isolation, and the burden of being labeled a “disappointment.” She recalls being too ashamed to step outside, hiding her growing belly in a community that couldn’t reconcile her mistake with her faith.

Abandoned by her child’s father and left without the support he once promised, Ibukunoluwa faced the harsh realities of single parenting — forced to leave work, endure community whispers, and mourn a future that no longer looked familiar. Her son’s naming ceremony came and went without the church’s blessing, another painful reminder of how far she had fallen in the eyes of those who once praised her.

Still, she held on. Relocating to Ibadan in search of peace and opportunities, she took on grueling jobs and survived on grit. It wasn’t until years later, when a couple she affectionately calls “Mommy and Daddy Olare” stepped in, that the idea of returning to school became more than a distant dream. Their encouragement reignited a flame she thought had burned out.

Starting again in her late twenties felt daunting. She initially hoped her OND from Kwara State Polytechnic would fast-track her progress, but she was urged to begin afresh. Despite her reluctance, she enrolled — only to lose her first admission due to documentation issues. The setback was crushing, and when someone told her she was “too old” and should just “get married,” she almost believed it.

But then came the voice that mattered most: her son’s. When she told him she might not make First Class like his aunt did, his response was clear and pure: “If I’m getting first in class, why would you not get first? We have to be first together.” That moment became her anchor.

Despite cruel insults from younger classmates — some of whom called her “grandma” — she pressed on. Through long nights, emotional breakdowns, and silent sacrifices, she remained committed. Her younger sister helped by paying her son’s school fees, while her mother and friends formed a support circle that carried her through.

Graduating with a First Class wasn’t just a personal achievement — it was a victory over shame, stereotypes, and societal limits placed on women like her. Today, Ibukunoluwa speaks openly about her journey, encouraging other single mothers to stop hiding and start healing. “Children are not mistakes,” she says, “they are gifts. You are not too late. There is no perfect timeline — only purpose.”

Her story is a living reminder that no matter how far off track life may seem, it’s never too late to rise again — with love, support, and the determination to rewrite the narrative.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH