Married ARU students graduate on the same day
Opeyemi and Taye Osadiya celebrated their success at Chelmsford Cathedral
A married couple who studied separate postgraduate courses at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) celebrated their belated graduations on the same day at Chelmsford Cathedral.
Both Opeyemi and Taye Osadiya completed their PhD courses in 2020, but like thousands of other students, had been unable to graduate last year because of restrictions around COVID-19.
But yesterday the couple, who live in Basildon and have been married for 25 years, were both able to don caps and gowns and receive their certificates in front of each other and their family.
Taye began his PhD focusing on international business management in 2016, combining it with his job at SEEVIC college in Thundersley. He then persuaded Opeyemi, who had previously studied for her Master’s at ARU, to continue her education in early childhood studies.
The couple have two grown-up children, one of whom has recently graduated from her own university course, and another who is currently studying for a degree.
Opeyemi said:
“It is a dream come true. I have been looking forward to this day for so long and finally it has come. We are very happy because we have worked so hard. It has been absolutely wonderful today, graduating together from Anglia Ruskin University.”
Taye added:
“It is something that is yet to sink in. Because of the pandemic you thought ‘would I ever graduate’. But actually getting to celebrate all the hard work we have put in is amazing.”
If you know someone who's graduating from ARU, you can watch our ceremonies as they happen. And if you're interested in following in Opeyemi's and Taye's footsteps and studying at ARU, come along to an Open Day to find out more, or browse undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses.