50-year-old Ajayi Folashade seemed not be deterred by her age as she takes step in developing herself by enrolling at Ilorin Grammar School Ilorin starting out in Junior Secondary School two(JSS 2).
Folashade Ajayi who is a mother said as a child she worked in her aunt’s shop instead of attending school. She now runs her own business, making and selling purses and bags, but believes her inability to read or write is holding her back hence her decision to enroll in school and better herself.
The woman, who hopes to become a teacher someday added that she hopes to encourage people her age to follow through with their dreams irrespective of age.
She also called on the government to create adult education programs so older scholars won’t have to sit with children to learn.
But not minding the age difference,Ajayi sits in class with children 11- 13 years looking all good in her pink school uniform and bonnet raising hands and answering questions.
Ajayi’s teacher, Nasrat Busari, said the mature student appeared completely undeterred by the age gap.
“She has been coping well with them: playing together, talking together and discussing things together,” he said.
According to her daughter, Shola Adeboye, she was initially embarrassed that her mother attended school alongside children, but later came around.
“She has always wanted to be educated but she couldn’t (until now),” Adeboye said sympathetically.
Ajayi still makes bags and purses after finishing classes at 4pm, and an apprentice serves her customers during school hours.
And of those who might ridicule her efforts, she said: “It’s my duty not to pay attention to what they’re saying.”
