In a landmark academic milestone that has sparked admiration across Nigeria, 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, drew a distinguished audience of academics, dignitaries, and family members—including the former President, who praised his wife’s accomplishment as “a powerful testament to lifelong learning and intellectual leadership.”
A trained legal practitioner and respected education entrepreneur, Dr. Ayima is the founder of Aduvie Montessori International School, one of Abuja’s top-tier early learning institutions. Her doctoral research centered on inclusive education policy reform, with a focus on expanding access for disadvantaged children in Nigeria’s conflict-affected regions.
Despite her prominent lineage as the daughter of Chief F.D. Lott, former Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, and cousin to former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, Dr. Ayima is known for her preference for impact over publicity.
Her quiet resolve and dedication to educational development have earned her widespread respect in both political and academic circles.
Social media platforms have been flooded with congratulatory messages, while organisations such as the African Women in Leadership Network (AWLN) have hailed her achievement as a symbol of empowerment for women across the continent.
Already, speculation is mounting about her possible advisory or leadership roles in upcoming education reform efforts at the national or continental level. Analysts see her academic work as a potential blueprint for meaningful change in a sector facing significant challenges.
“Dr. Ayima’s success is not only personal—it is a beacon for what transformative leadership in education can look like,” said an AWLN spokesperson. “She exemplifies the power of substance over spectacle.”
Congratulations to Dr. Ayima and the Jonathan family on this remarkable milestone.
