By: Joy Musa
In a momentous academic achievement that has captured national attention, Dr. Ayima Lott-Jonathan, the second wife of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has been awarded a Doctorate Degree in Education from Walden University, Minneapolis, USA.
The convocation ceremony, held on Saturday in Abuja, was attended by dignitaries, scholars, and family members, including the former President himself, who lauded his wife’s accomplishment as “a powerful testament to lifelong learning and intellectual leadership”.
Dr. Ayima, a legal practitioner and education entrepreneur, is the founder of Aduvie Montessori International, one of Abuja’s most prestigious early learning institutions. Her doctoral research focused on inclusive education policy reform, with a particular emphasis on improving access for disadvantaged children in Nigeria’s conflict-affected regions.
Despite her prominent lineage daughter of Chief F.D. Lott, former Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, and cousin to ex-Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke Dr. Ayima has long preferred to influence from behind the scenes. Her quiet strength and commitment to substance over spotlight have earned her admiration across political and academic circles.
Social media has been flooded with congratulatory messages, and women-led organizations such as the African Women in Leadership Network (AWLN) have hailed her achievement as a beacon of inspiration. Speculation is already mounting about her potential role in future education reform initiatives at both national and continental levels.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges in its education sector, Dr. Ayima’s work offers a promising framework for policy innovation. Her success is a reminder that true influence often wears a gown not a title.
Congratulations to Dr. Ayima Lott-Jonathan and her family on this remarkable milestone.
