A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has
enrolled for an MA/Ph.D. in Christian Theology at the
National Open University of Nigeria.
His admission letter titled, ‘‘Provisional admission for
postgraduate programme – 2014 session’’ and dated
September 29, was signed by NOUN Registrar,
Josephine Akinyemi.
It reads, “With reference to your application for
admission to a postgraduate programme of this
university, I am pleased to inform you that you have
been offered a provisional admission for
postgraduate course leading to the award of MA/
Ph.D. Christian Theology in School of Arts and Social
Sciences of the university with effect from the date of
completion of first registration.”
Obasanjo, who arrived the Victoria Island
headquarters of the university on Tuesday morning
in a black Lexus jeep with number plate Lagos APP
769 DB to receive his admission letter, gave insight
into why he was returning to school at 77.
He explained that he chose to acquire the doctoral
degree in Christian Theology in order to acquire
more knowledge about God.
“I do not want to be a pastor. I only want to know
more about my God and to serve Him better,” said
the former President.
Obasanjo, who in 2009 obtained a postgraduate
diploma in Christian Theology from the university,
added that he wanted Nigerians to know that age was
no barrier to learning.
He said, “I want to make a statement that no matter
the position you have attained in life, it should not be
a barrier to seeking knowledge.
“Learning should be a continuous process and if you
can do it without the formality of the university, well
and good. But I chose to learn by other means and
through a discipline and the formality of a university.
Again, this admission offers me a fresh challenge in
life.”
The NOUN alumnus, who was dressed in a milk-
coloured kaftan, added that he wanted to assist in
bringing his Alma Mater to the consciousness of
more Nigerians.
According to him, the university is a viable alternative
that the teeming Nigerians seeking tertiary education
in the country can approach for admission.
The former president, who laced the ceremony with
humour, noted that eight of his children were
doctoral degree holders and that he would reach out
to them if he had any challenge in his fresh academic
pursuit.
He also urged the Federal Government to allow
graduates of the university to participate in the
National Youth Service Corps and the Nigerian Law
School.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the school, Prof.
Vincent Tenebe, had described Obasanjo as a
pacesetter, who had contributed immensely to the
country’s development.
Tenebe said, “Admission and registration in
universities are not marked by special ceremonies
and jubilations. However, when special people are
involved, when passionate, sensitive and exemplary
leaders whose leadership styles are people-oriented,
committed and altruistic in words and in action,
special attention and little celebration is in order as
we are having it today.
“You are a true father to the nation hence you have
been nicknamed Baba by all Nigerians, no one can
take that from you. You are a friend and a mentor to
all Nigerians and whether any one likes it or not, all
Nigerians love you for your selfless services to the
nation, first as a citizen, a pacesetter, and then as a
leader.”
The former President, who was born speculatively on
March 5, 1937, attended Abeokuta Baptist High
School, Ogun State.
He enlisted in the Nigerian Army in 1958 and
attended the Mons Officers’ Cadet School, Aldershot,
England; Royal College of Military Engineering,
Chatham, England, and School of Survey, Newbury,
England.
He also attended the British Royal Engineers’ Young
Officers School, Shrivenham, England; Indian
Defence Staff College; Indian Army School of
Engineering and Royal College of Defence Studies,
London.
He was Head of State between 1976 and 1979.
Obasanjo, who returned to power in 1999, handed
over to the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007.
www.punchng.com/news/obasanjo-enrols-for-ph-d-at-77/