A retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army, Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, aged 85, is among the first set of doctoral degree graduates produced by the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Onafowokan earned a PhD in Educational Technology.

The university’s 16th convocation ceremony, scheduled for the weekend, will see the graduation of a total of 4,140 students, including 27 first-class honours recipients.

TASUED Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, who briefed newsmen at the weekend, expressed his pride in the institution’s achievement and commended the 85-year-old Colonel for his dedication and perseverance. “Even younger ones shy away from such a task,” Prof. Banjo remarked, stressing the Colonel’s remarkable achievement.

He added, “I am happy to inform you that the university will, at this 16th convocation ceremony, graduate its first set of doctoral degree holders. They are 67 in number and the list includes a retired Army Colonel, Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, who is 85 years old. And he is getting his PhD in Educational Technology. I salute his courage and doggedness to pursue this dream of his.”

The convocation will also feature the conferment of honorary degrees on four distinguished Nigerians: Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, Prince Oluyemisi Adedoyin Shyllon, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, and Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi.

The university has also made significant strides in infrastructure development, including the expansion of its Medical Centre and the installation of an Independent Power Project to address power supply challenges.

The convocation lecture will be delivered by the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who will discuss the importance of digital literacy for national development.