Daud Olatunji
At 85, Dr. Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan is not only Nigeria’s oldest PhD graduate but also an inspiring testament to the transformative power of education. Graduating with a Doctorate in Educational Media and Technology from the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Dr. Onafowokan’s story defies conventional beliefs about aging, health, and the limits of human potential.
In a conversation with PLATFORM TIMES Editor, Daud Olatunji, Dr. Onafowokan, who received a cash gift of N2.5 million from the Ogun State government at the university’s 16th convocation, revealed how learning literally saved his life.
“Learning Healed Me”
Sharing his ordeal, Dr. Onafowakan said,“learning heals high blood pressure, can you believe that? I’m living proof,” reflecting on his health journey.
The oldest Nigerian PhD holder in Nigeria said, he was diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver complications, some years ago.
He said his doctors had warned that he had less than 24 hours to live after detecting stones in his liver.
But instead of succumbing to despair, Dr. Onafowokan said he decided to turn to learning.
“When I started going back to school and learning, everything changed. Today, I have no stones in my liver. Depression doesn’t come in if you read; high blood pressure will stay away,” he said.
“Our brain is a harbor for what we carry inside. If you don’t shake it, it will pack up.”
For Dr. Onafowokan, the act of learning kept his brain active, boosted his confidence, and ultimately restored his health.
…Rejected By LASU, Accepted By TASUED His Journey Back To Education
Dr. Onafowokan’s academic journey is a remarkable tale of resilience. Years after serving as a Chief Camp Instructor in the Nigerian Army, where he commanded respect and discipline, he decided to return to school.
He dismissed that in his pursuit for doctoral degree, he sought admission to Lagos State University (LASU) for a sandwich programme, but, he was told his secondary school certificate from the 1950s was outdated.
Undeterred, he returned to secondary school, completed his WAEC exams, and passed, proving that age is no barrier to education.
“I came here to learn,” he said of his time in school, even as he studied alongside classmates who were his children’s age.
“When we had assignments, my classmates would say, ‘Baba has already finished his; he’s going to put us in trouble.’ And they were right because I was always ahead. I didn’t come to play; I came to learn.”
“If you learn consistently, it boosts your confidence and helps you dig out the unknown,” he said.
“It addresses all challenges and helps you share knowledge with others.”
He said he had to reject the distractions of materialism, emphasizing that continuous education enriches the soul.
“When you focus on learning, you cut off from worldly desires like wanting to buy this or that,” he noted.
Dr. Onafowokan’s determination has inspired his family and others around him. His daughter, Tiwatope Oluwateolafunmi, recalled her initial skepticism when he decided to return to secondary school and later pursue a doctoral degree.
“I told him, ‘Daddy, you’ve passed all your courses before. Why are they asking you to start over?’ But he took the challenge. He started from SS3, passed WAEC, and then went on to achieve what many thought was impossible. I’m so proud of him,” she said.
… The Next Chapter
Dr. Onafowokan is not stopping at his PhD. He has already begun writing a book, titled Unquestionable Test Man, centered on the theme of lifelong learning. “By September, God willing, I’ll start my post-doctoral degree. I want to keep learning until I can’t anymore,” he declared.
Through his unyielding dedication to education, Dr. Onafowokan has proven that age is just a number, and learning is a lifelong journey that can heal, inspire, and transform.
… Abiodun Celebrates Nigeria’s Oldest PhD Graduate
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described Dr. Onafowokan’s achievement as an extraordinary milestone. Praising his unwavering determination, the governor said, “You have proven that we are never too old to learn. Your achievement is an inspiration to all.”
The ceremony marked a significant moment for TASUED as it graduated its first cohort of doctoral students alongside its B.Sc. and B.A. single-honours degree holders. Governor Abiodun lauded the university for positioning Ogun State on the global academic map.
“History is being made today because not only is TASUED graduating its first set of doctoral students, but the University is also putting Ogun State into global reckoning as one of our graduands is now officially the oldest PhD graduate in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa,” the governor said.
“Indeed, he is the sixth oldest in the world. Please join me to acknowledge and congratulate 85-year-old Dr. Bolaji Totilola Onafowokan for this remarkable achievement.
In recognition of Dr. Onafowokan’s lifelong dedication to learning, Governor Abiodun announced a cash gift of N2.5 million, a gesture to honor his commitment to education and inspire others to pursue lifelong learning.
“This is an unprecedented milestone for this institution and a great achievement for Papa,” the governor added.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
