, he bagged a master’s degree in Theology from the National Open University at the age of 79 and nine years after he left office as president. Not one to rest on his oars, he furthered his studies at the same university and earned a doctorate in the same discipline in 2018 at age 81.
“His patience and perseverance in pursuing a doctorate degree programme at his age and status in life is a roadmap to all of us. It clearly communicates three credos: you are never too old to learn; you are never too powerful to learn and you are never too full of learning. At the university’s convocation held on May 16, 2019, the octogenarian graduate, swathed by his family members, was full of joy for chasing his dreams to reality.
His eldest son and sponsor, Gbade, a chartered accountant, said he was happy when his father indicated interest in earning a degree. He said: ”The first time was when I was serving as Chief Brigade Akure in 1977. I was offered admission to study law at the University of Ife . It was then a three-year programme for direct entry students. I got admission but because of the nature of my job, I could not do it.
”I resigned myself to fate that if it was God’s wish for me to do it, I would do it. I was never disappointed. I knew God would grant me the grace and opportunity to do the course and complete it. Midway into the event, the septuagenarian stepped onto the podium at the expansive Ade Ajayi Hall and shook hands with the then Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Dr. Wale Babalakin and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, and other principal officers of the university as a mark of honour.
“But if you can do it, to learn without the formality of a university, fine and good. But I chose to continue to learn by other means and also through the discipline and formality of a university system. “I often visited the university to see him and share my experience with his students until one day when the thought of enrolling for a progamme came into my mind and I ended up reading Law.
”I almost abandoned the programme because of its academic rigours and demands. But my love for education, cooperation, and support of my wife saw me through the challenges of the programme.“By graduating in Law at 73, I have thrown a challenge to the youths and other senior citizens that there is no age barrier to educational advancement in life.