Chris Osagbaekhoe a resident of London and a grandfather, graduated with honours in social work from Goldsmiths, University of London.
The proud father of four and grandfather of 12 who is originally from Nigeria lives with a disability that affects his legs and spine. He has one leg shorter than the other which rocks his spine and restricts his movement from one place to the other.
The pains and struggles of his daily experience didn’t hold him back, instead it became the fuel to pursue his degree. 
On his graduation day on September 2, he said to the university press:
“I’m a person that lives with a disability. Part of the inspiration was to empower people to empower themselves, and part of the motivation was to be a voice to the voiceless— that was my inner drive.”
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For Osagbaekhoe it goes beyond the certificate. He wants to advocate for the most vulnerable, drawing on the empathy and resilience that only real-life challenges can teach.
“There are abilities in disability,” he said. “My lived experience has given me empathy, understanding and the determination to empower others. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing people overcome adversity, regaining confidence and living with dignity.”
His message is simple and sharp:
“Your dreams do not expire because of your age. If I can achieve this at 68, others can too.”
It is evident that Osagbaekhoe doesn’t consider his age a liability. He views the wisdom that comes with his age as an asset in social work instead.
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According to him, his life experience builds resilience, compassion, and insight that textbooks and class lectures alone can not supply.
Dr. Carmen Yau, a professor of social work at Goldsmiths, described Osagbaekhoe’s journey as one of “determination, courage and hope.” She added that his story is a powerful reminder that education can transform lives at any stage.
Osagbaekhoe was born and raised in Nigeria and had previously studied psychology and counselling between 2013 and 2015. With his first-class degree in Social Work, he hopes to inspire other mature students and people with disability to not give up on their passion.
“Your dreams do not expire because of your age, if I can achieve this at 68, others can too,” Osagbaekhoe says.
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