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.
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.
Source;PunchNg
Source;PunchNg
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