Former Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has added a new feather to her cap, receiving an honorary doctorate degree in Psychology, Guidance, and Counselling from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt. The prestigious conferment took place on Saturday during the university’s 43rd Convocation Ceremony, which turned into a lively celebration marked by music, dance, and waves of emotion.

The former First Lady’s public image—often characterized by her humorous and unfiltered speeches in Nigerian Pidgin English—resurfaced with fresh appreciation and controversy as videos from the event began to trend across social media platforms.

Celebration in Port Harcourt

The convocation ceremony attracted an impressive crowd, including dignitaries, academic figures, and a large contingent of women’s groups. Chief among them was the influential Rivers-based support network Rivers Women Unite For SIM, led by Sotonye Toby Fult. These women arrived in coordinated outfits, carrying banners and breaking into chants and songs in support of Dame Jonathan.

One particularly viral moment came when Patience Jonathan, brimming with energy and dressed in her full academic regalia, danced joyously to the tune of “Na our mama be this ooo…” while surrounded by her supporters. With arms raised and a beaming smile, she embraced the moment with typical flair. After the performance, she invited the women to a group photo session, playfully saying in her signature pidgin English, “Make una come. Make we snap, let’s go and eat.”

The comment—delivered with the warmth and familiarity she is known for—instantly sparked a wave of reactions online, rekindling memories of her most iconic public moments.

Online Buzz: From Praise to Parody

Unsurprisingly, social media was abuzz with both commendation and critique.

On X (formerly Twitter), user @escanor224 reflected on the milestone with affection, writing:

“Awwwn I’m happy for Patience Jonathan. From ‘na only you waka come’ to getting a PhD. This is why I keep saying bad English is not a marker of intellect.”

For many Nigerians, Patience Jonathan has remained a memorable figure in public discourse not just for her role as First Lady during her husband Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency from 2010 to 2015, but also for her candid language and populist appeal.

Yet not all the online responses were glowing. User @XtyleL2909 shared a more skeptical take:

“This is satire of the week! Is Patience Jonathan, the wife of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, seen in academic regalia celebrating the achievement of a doctorate degree or mocking another MAMA?”

Others, however, used the opportunity to reflect on her resilience and how she has evolved in the public eye. User @obigoestoschool tweeted:

“Patience Jonathan now has a doctorate. From ‘na only you waka come’ to Dr. Patience. Hope those who mocked her are still fluent in bitterness?”

A Colorful Public Legacy

Patience Jonathan has long been a polarizing figure in Nigerian politics. Her time as First Lady was marked by bold statements, passionate outbursts, and a command of Pidgin English that connected her to everyday Nigerians in a way few political figures managed.

Phrases like “There is God o,” “Na only you waka come,” and “My husband and Sambo is a good people” have become embedded in the nation’s pop culture, often referenced in music, skits, and internet memes.

While she was often criticized for her spoken English, many defended her as a woman who broke traditional molds of political communication and never pretended to be what she was not. For her supporters, she was authentic, relatable, and unfiltered—traits that remain rare among Nigeria’s political elite.

Her recent academic honour serves as a symbolic counterpoint to those criticisms. By receiving a doctorate in Psychology and Counselling, Patience Jonathan appears to have embraced a role that reflects her long-standing involvement in advocacy for women and children’s welfare—especially during crises such as the Chibok girls’ abduction in 2014.

Women Celebrate a Role Model

Saturday’s celebration was more than just a personal achievement for the former First Lady—it was a moment of empowerment for many women who see her as a trailblazer. For the Rivers Women Unite For SIM group and others in attendance, her recognition was proof that a woman’s contributions, voice, and presence in national affairs matter, regardless of language or social class.

Sotonye Toby Fult, the group’s leader, emphasized this sentiment during a brief speech at the event:

“Mama Peace has shown us that you can be yourself, speak your truth, and still rise to greatness. Today is a day of honour for every Nigerian woman who has ever been underestimated.”

Political Implications and a Renewed Public Role?

Though Patience Jonathan has largely remained out of politics since her husband left office in 2015, some analysts wonder if this public recognition and the reawakening of her cult-like popularity could signal a more active role ahead—especially with rising interest in women’s participation in Nigerian politics.

Her name has occasionally surfaced in conversations about women’s leadership, especially within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where she still holds influence in the South-South geopolitical zone.

Conclusion: From First Lady to Dr. Patience Jonathan

Dame Patience Jonathan’s honorary doctorate adds a new layer to an already complex legacy. Whether celebrated or criticized, she has consistently commanded attention and sparked conversation across the Nigerian public sphere.

As Nigerians continue to reflect on her journey—from being affectionately dubbed “Mama Peace” to being officially addressed as “Dr. Patience Jonathan”—one thing remains clear: she has etched her name indelibly into the nation’s history. And in doing so, she continues to inspire debate, laughter, nostalgia, and admiration in equal measure.