78-Year-Old Bags PhD During UNILAG’s 56th Convocation

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has at its 56th convocation conferred a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in French on 78-year-old Dr. Hammid Taju, making him the oldest graduating student this year.

Also earning applause was a traditional ruler, Oba Sulaimon Bangbande, the Olofin of Isheri, who graduated with a Master of Science (M.Sc) in System Engineering.

The achievements were announced by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, during the ongoing convocation ceremonies. She revealed that a total of 5,775 students graduated from UNILAG’s School of Postgraduate Studies and University of Lagos Business School (ULBS).

“We have among the graduands today Dr. Taju, who obtained a PhD in French at a young age of 78 years. He is the oldest graduating student this year. We also have an inspirational figure, Oba Sulaimon Bangbande, the Olofin of Isheri, who is also graduating with a Master of Science (M.Sc) in System Engineering,” Prof. Ogunsola said.

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She added that the convocation would also honour distinguished contributors to scholarship and humanity. “The highlight of the day will be recognition of various individuals for their outstanding contributions to scholarship and humanity. Two retired academics, Prof. James Olowokudejo of the Department of Botany, and Prof. Duro Oni of the Department of Theatre Arts, will be honoured as Emeritus Professors. In addition, Prof. Akinsanya Osibogun, a distinguished Scholar of Medicine, will be conferred with the title of Distinguished Professor. Gold medals will also be awarded to Prof. Ayoka Olusakin, a Professor of Counselling Psychology,” she stated.

The Vice Chancellor provided additional details on academic excellence, noting that 41 out of 479 students who completed postgraduate diploma programmes graduated with distinctions. Among Master’s graduates, 429 out of 5,184 achieved distinctions, while 32 out of 112 ULBS students were awarded distinctions.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), urged the graduates to become good and worthy ambassadors of the university.

The eminent lawyer also called for stricter legislation against cybercrimes, describing the internet and social media as “a bedlam.” Olanipekun lamented that “people do all sorts of things on the internet and get away with it in Nigeria, unlike in other countries.”