Nigerian Professor Earns Second PhD at 89

Professor Mark Nwagwu, an 89-year-old retired Nigerian academic, has earned a second PhD from the University of Ibadan, demonstrating that lifelong learning has no age limit.

Renowned Nigerian academic and literary icon, Professor Mark Nwagwu, has achieved another remarkable milestone by earning a second Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the age of 89.

The retired Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Ibadan completed a PhD in Cultural and Media Studies at the university’s Institute of African Studies, three years after enrolling in the programme at the age of 86.

Announcing the achievement on social media, Nwagwu expressed joy over successfully defending his thesis, describing the moment as a historic milestone in his lifelong pursuit of knowledge. His graduation ceremony was attended by senior officials of the University of Ibadan, including the Acting Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, his supervisor, and other academic leaders.

Professor Nwagwu began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Ibadan before earning a Master’s degree from the University of London and his first PhD in Zoology from Stockholm University in Sweden. He later conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Connecticut in the United States and served as a lecturer at Brock University in Canada before returning to Nigeria.

Beyond his distinguished career in science, Nwagwu is also an accomplished poet, essayist, and author with numerous published works. He holds the rare distinction of being both a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors.

The veteran scholar first revealed his intention to pursue another doctorate in 2023, explaining that his decision was driven by a desire to conduct deeper research into historical and cultural issues that could not be adequately addressed through conventional writing alone.

His latest academic accomplishment has been widely celebrated as an inspiring example of lifelong learning, proving that age is no barrier to intellectual growth and educational excellence.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GISTREEL