Mum-of-four proves she can keep up with her kids as she finds GCSE success

A mum-of-four has proved she can keep up with her kids after earning amazing GCSE results at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre.

Nigerian-born Ruth Ojinnaka, aged 45, delved back into education to complete qualifications in maths and English.

Today she discovered her hard work had paid off – resulting in a grade 5 in maths and an incredible grade 9 in English.

Ruth said: “I’m over the moon. I’m so glad; I can’t even express myself!

“The pandemic has made it difficult at times, so I’m so happy I got through it.”

Healthcare assistant Ruth said her new qualifications will allow her to take her career ‘to the next level’ – with a spot now secured to study nursing at the University of Bolton.

Ruth won’t be alone there, as her 18-year-old daughter is also enrolled to start in September.

The aspiring nurse – also mum to daughters aged 19 and 16, as well as a son aged 15 – said her family never doubted what she could achieve at Hopwood Hall.

She said: “My home is a very academic home. This week we’ve all been getting results.

“My children knew I could do it – they believed in me!”

Ruth initially worked in accounting, but changed course into healthcare because it was easier when raising her children.

After eight years in the profession, she turned her focus to getting her GCSEs at age 45 so that she could boost her career prospects.

Ruth said: “Age is nothing. 40 is nothing.

“Anyone who wants to do, just go for it. You’ll be glad you did.”

The news of Ruth’s success came as no surprise to those at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre.

Staff who teach at the institution – which has campuses in Rochdale and Middleton – called Ruth ‘an absolute inspiration’.

English tutor Sian Walker said: “Ruth is everything a learner should be and deserves all the success in the world.

“She’s hardworking, determined and gives 100% to everything she does."