A 64-year-old Nigerian, John Adesoye, has achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse in the United Kingdom, proving that it is never too late to pursue a new career.
Adesoye, who now works at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, said his journey shows that age should not stop anyone from chasing their ambitions. After years of working as an electronics technician in Greece, he moved to the UK in 2013 and decided to start afresh in the healthcare sector.
He began his career in 2014 as a healthcare assistant at Southmead Hospital, where he gained practical experience while working towards becoming a registered nurse. Through determination and hard work, he completed a Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship at the University of the West of England and officially qualified as a nurse.
Reflecting on his achievement, Adesoye encouraged others not to give up on their dreams.
“If I can do it, others can too. People are more brilliant and stronger than they think,” he said.
The father of five explained that his decision to switch careers was inspired by his passion for helping people.
“When I repaired electronic devices, I felt fulfilled seeing broken things work again. In healthcare, seeing patients recover gives me even greater joy and satisfaction,” he said.
As part of his training, Adesoye worked in several departments at Southmead Hospital, including cardiology, accident and emergency, and intensive care. The experience, he said, prepared him for the challenges and rewards of nursing.
Despite achieving his qualification, Adesoye has no plans to stop learning. He hopes to further his education by pursuing a master’s degree if the opportunity arises.
“The moment you begin higher education, more opportunities open up. It’s never too late to learn or achieve your goals,” he said.
Balancing work and study was not easy. He spent one day each week attending classes at the university’s Glenside campus while working the rest of the week at the hospital. He credited discipline, perseverance and family support for helping him complete the programme.
Programme co-leads Jacqui Caskey and Caroline Bromwich praised Adesoye’s dedication, noting that nursing apprentices often balance demanding work schedules with family responsibilities.
They described his success as an inspiring example of resilience and determination, saying his story demonstrates that with commitment and hard work, it is possible to build a successful career regardless of age.
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