72-Year-Old Retired Army General Earns PhD in Mathematics from UNILORIN
72-Year-Old Retired Army General Earns PhD in Mathematics from UNILORIN
Ilorin, Kwara State – In a resounding testament to resilience, passion, and the power of lifelong learning, Dr. Ola Orisamolade, a 72-year-old retired General of the Nigerian Army, has successfully defended his PhD thesis in Mathematics at the prestigious University of Ilorin.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after his successful defense, the septuagenarian described his latest academic milestone as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
“I would not have lived a fulfilled life without having a Ph.D in Mathematics, in spite of the fact that I attained the rank of General in the Nigerian Army before my retirement,” he said.
Dr. Orisamolade, a native of Ondo Town in Ondo State, revealed that his love for Mathematics began in primary school and never waned through the decades. After completing his early education, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Lagos before joining the Nigerian Army in 1975.
He rose steadily through the military ranks, culminating in the rank of General before retiring in 2010. Yet, for the seasoned soldier, a thirst for academic knowledge remained unquenched.
“My commitment to academic excellence led me to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Lagos, which I completed in 2017. The passion I have for mathematics pushed me further to enroll in a PhD programme at the University of Ilorin—and here I am today, successfully achieving my goal,” he added with satisfaction.
Commendations from the Academic Community
The academic feat has drawn widespread admiration from the University of Ilorin community. The Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Bamidele Owoyele, praised Orisamolade’s accomplishment, calling it a shining example of how the university remains committed to offering academic opportunities to people from all walks of life, regardless of age.
His supervisor, Prof. Kamilu Rauf, described the General’s perseverance as “remarkable,” noting that despite facing personal challenges—including the painful loss of his wife during the programme—Orisamolade remained steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge.
“His achievement is a powerful reminder that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams. His story is a source of inspiration to many,” Rauf stated.
Legacy of Determination and Purpose
Dr. Orisamolade’s story stands out not only for its academic value but also for the message it sends to Nigerians—young and old—that no dream is too old to chase. His unrelenting passion for mathematics defies age stereotypes and reaffirms the value of purpose-driven living.
The University of Ilorin continues to uphold a tradition of excellence and inclusivity. According to NAN, the institution has produced over 15,000 PhD graduates in the last 15 years, placing it among the top destinations for postgraduate education in Nigeria.
As the applause continues to ring out for Dr. Orisamolade, his story joins the league of transformational tales that serve as beacons for anyone daring enough to dream—at any age, and against all odds.
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