Obasanjo returns to school at 77, eyes PhD in Christian Theology

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo will today formally enrol as a graduate student at the headquarters of the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos. He is returning to the classroom for a higher degree in Christian Theology. Having obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in 2009, the Owu-born high chief will now be working towards a doctorate degree, beginning first with a Masters degree. Obasanjo told news site, Premium Times that he was going back to school because it was important for him to make some commitments towards achieving his aspirations in life. “I’m going back to school because I need something to aspire to in every endeavour of life”, he explained “I always aspire to something new in my farm. I do that in my international activities.Continue...
I do it in my writing. I do it in the improvement of my academic work which helps to sharpen my brain and strengthen my faith.” On combining his studies with his tight international engagements, the former Nigerian leader said he would take advantage of the flexibility of the Open University’s system. “Fortunately, the Open University is flexible enough and I will definitely be able to cope. I was able to cope when I did the Post Graduate. I was also busy during the period”, he said. The National Open University was initially established in 1983 but was suspended by the then military government in 1984. Obasanjo resuscitated it in 2001. In November 2006, a few months to the end of his eight-year tenure, the then president enrolled for a post graduate diploma in Christian Theology at the university.
He graduated in January 2009.