At 64, Nigerian-Born John Adesoye Becomes UK Nurse, Proving It’s Never Too Late to Start Again

At an age when many people consider retirement, John Adesoye chose a different path, returning to education, changing careers and achieving his dream of becoming a registered nurse in the United Kingdom.

The Nigerian-born father of five recently graduated as a qualified nurse at the age of 64, earning recognition for his remarkable journey of resilience, determination and lifelong learning.

Adesoye, who now works as a registered nurse at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, began his professional life far removed from healthcare. He initially trained and worked as an electronics technician in Greece before relocating to the United Kingdom in 2013.

A year after arriving in Britain, he entered the healthcare sector as a healthcare assistant at Southmead Hospital, where his experience caring for patients sparked a desire to pursue nursing professionally.

Determined to advance his career, Adesoye enrolled in a nursing degree apprenticeship at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) while continuing to work in the hospital.

The programme required him to balance academic studies, clinical training, work responsibilities and family commitments, a challenge he embraced despite starting the journey later in life.

During his training, Adesoye gained experience across several medical departments, including cardiology, accident and emergency and intensive care, preparing him for his new role as a registered nurse.

Reflecting on his career transition, he explained that his motivation came from the satisfaction of helping others.

“When I was caring for electronic devices, I was happy when I could get broken devices working again. In my work in healthcare, when patients get better, it gives me great joy and satisfaction,” he said.

Adesoye said he hopes his story will encourage others who may feel that age has limited their opportunities.

“If I can do it, others can too. People are more brilliant and stronger than they think,” he said.

He added that pursuing higher education can create new opportunities regardless of when someone begins the journey.

“The moment you start in higher education, you’ll see that the door will continue to open for you. It’s never too late,” he said.

Officials at Southmead Hospital and UWE Bristol praised Adesoye’s commitment, highlighting the determination required to combine professional training, employment and family responsibilities.

Now established in his nursing career, Adesoye says he remains open to further academic growth, including pursuing a master’s degree, as he continues contributing to healthcare.

His story stands as a reminder that ambition does not have an expiry date, and that career reinvention remains possible at any stage of life.