“Never Too Late”: UK-Based Nigerian Former Electrician Becomes Nurse at 64
By FNA News Desk
Bristol, 18 July 2026
A 64-year-old Nigerian-born father of five has graduated as a registered nurse, delivering a powerful message that career reinvention remains possible at any age.
John Adesoye, who previously worked as an electrician and electronics technician in Greece before relocating to the UK in 2013, has successfully completed a nursing degree apprenticeship at the University of the West of England (UWE). He has now taken up a registered nursing post at Southmead Hospital in Bristol — the same NHS trust where he began working as a healthcare assistant in 2014.
A Journey of Determination
Adesoye’s transition from technical work to healthcare was driven by a deep desire to care for people. Speaking to reporters, he said: “If I can do it, others can too. People are more brilliant and stronger than they think.”
He added:
“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.”
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The father-of-five balanced one day a week of study at UWE’s Glenside campus with full-time shifts at the hospital, gaining valuable experience in cardiology, A&E, and intensive care. He now plans to pursue a master’s-level qualification.
Expert Insight: The Value of Lifelong Learning
Adesoye’s achievement comes at a time when the NHS continues to face significant workforce pressures. His story highlights the growing importance of flexible degree apprenticeships in attracting mature talent into nursing, a route that allows experienced individuals to bring maturity, resilience, and diverse life skills to patient care.
Leaders at North Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and UWE praised his dedication. Professor Steve Hams, Chief Nursing Officer at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, described the milestone as “a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue your ambitions.”
Programme co-leads Jacqui Caskey and Caroline Bromwich noted that completing a nursing apprenticeship while managing family and work commitments is “no mean feat.”
Why This Matters
Stories like John Adesoye’s challenge outdated assumptions about age and career potential. In an ageing society with increasing demand for healthcare professionals, mature entrants can play a vital role in strengthening the NHS workforce. They often demonstrate exceptional commitment, emotional intelligence, and empathy developed over decades of life experience.
Adesoye’s message is clear and timely: Higher education and meaningful career changes should remain accessible to all, regardless of age.
FNA News applauds John Adesoye on this remarkable achievement and hopes his journey will inspire many others considering a fresh start in healthcare or any new field.
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Kehinde Oluwatosin is one of the many editors here at Fellow Nurses Africa and fellownurses.com.
He is a registered nurse with a Master of Science degree in healthcare leadership from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. Kehinde is passionate about advancing the nursing profession across Africa. As Co-Founder of Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a key role in shaping editorial direction, ensuring our content educates, informs, and empowers nurses continent-wide.
With expertise in leadership, patient flow, and healthcare operations, Kehinde brings valuable insights to nursing news, career development, and policy discussions. He is committed to amplifying the voice of African nurses and driving positive change in the profession.
