From Petty Trading at 8 to a PhD: Young Nigerian Woman Becomes First Graduate in Her Family

Bridget Ujah-Ognuagu, who started petty trading at age eight to support her family, overcame financial struggles and personal challenges to become the first university graduate in her family, ultimately earning a PhD in Computer Science.

Bridget Ujah-Ognuagu, a Nigerian woman who started petty trading at age eight to support her family, has overcome significant challenges to earn a PhD in Computer Science, making her the first university graduate in her family.

Growing up in a modest household, Bridget balanced school with helping her mother sell in markets and working on the farm with her father. Determined to get an education, she attended local schools and, in 2006, gained admission to study Computer Science at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, graduating in 2010 as one of the top students in her class.

Her academic journey continued with a Master’s degree at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which she pursued while juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities. Despite long commutes and a demanding schedule, she graduated in 2015 with a remarkable CGPA of 4.37.

Bridget’s passion for education led her to pursue a PhD at the University of Ilorin, where she persevered through the challenges of academic work, employment, and raising a family—including two pregnancies. In 2023, she successfully defended her thesis, officially earning her doctorate.

She hopes her story will inspire others, saying, “This is only an indication that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to!”

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION