Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo Becomes NOUN’s First PhD Graduate

Olusegun Obasanjo Makes History As First PhD Graduate From NOUN

Former Nigerian Military and Civilian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has made history as the first Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

As confirmed by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdalla Adamu, Obasanjo is amongst 14,771 persons cleared to receive various categories of honours at the 7th convocation ceremony of the institution.

Prof Adamu disclosed this at a news briefing held at NOUN’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja before the school’s convocation that was held on January 20.

According to the NOUN VC, the institution also set the record for the highest number of graduates at a single convocation ceremony by a Nigerian University with its figure of 14,771.

On Obasanjo’s feat, Prof Adamu lauded the former president for his good conduct as he stated that in spite of being a former president, Obasanjo conducted himself properly and deservedly bagged this academic award.

The Abeokuta-based elder statesman will be awarded a doctorate degree in Christian Theology.

Furthermore, the VC revealed that Chief Obasanjo would be considered for an appointment as a facilitator or supervisor as PhD was the least qualification for one to teach in the institution.

Prof Adamu said: “One of the graduands is the first PhD graduate the institution will produce; a university must graduate students at academic Masters Level before graduating PhD.

“Only one candidate has been able to do that and that is Obasanjo; the Senate has found him worthy of the award and approved the conferment of PhD on him.

“There are lessons to be learnt from Obasanjo’s feat – one is never too old to learn. Obasanjo was about 80 years when he started the programme and has finished it at 82.

“Again, one is never too powerful to learn; he was the president twice and yet subjected himself to learning; learning is a humbling process.

“We will consider him for the post of a facilitator or supervisor; maybe for our Abeokuta Study Centre; we will suggest it to him.’’