A 64-year-old Nigerian, John Adesoye, has qualified as a registered nurse in the United Kingdom, describing the achievement as proof that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams.
According to a report BBC, Adesoye, who was raised in Nigeria, previously worked as an electronics technician in Greece before relocating to the UK in 2013, where he chose to begin a new career in healthcare.
The father of five has since secured a nursing role at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he first joined as a healthcare assistant in 2014 before working his way to becoming a registered nurse.
“If I can do it, others can too. People are more brilliant and stronger than they think,” he said.
Explaining his decision to change careers, Adesoye said his passion for helping people motivated him to transition into healthcare.
“When I was caring for electronic devices, I was happy when I could get broken devices working again.
“In my work in healthcare, when patients get better it gives me great joy and satisfaction,” he said.
Adesoye completed a registered nurse degree apprenticeship at the University of the West of England, working across several departments at Southmead Hospital, including cardiology, accident and emergency, and intensive care.
He said he hopes to continue his education by pursuing a master’s degree if given the opportunity.
“The moment you start in higher education, you’ll see that the door will continue to open for you,” he said.
“It’s never too late,” he added.
Adesoye balanced his studies by spending one day each week at the university’s Glenside campus in Fishponds while working the rest of the week at Southmead Hospital.
Jacqui Caskey and Caroline Bromwich, co-leads of the registered nurse degree apprenticeship programme, praised his commitment.
“Being a nurse apprentice is no mean feat. They juggle this with busy lives, along with family and caring commitments,” they said.
