Nigerian Professor Obtains Second Doctorate at 89

Respected Nigerian scholar and literary figure, Professor Mark Nwagwu, has reached another outstanding achievement by obtaining a second Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the age of 89.

Nigerian Professor Obtains Second Doctorate at 89

The retired Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Ibadan earned a PhD in Cultural and Media Studies from the institution’s Institute of African Studies after enrolling in the programme at 86 and completing it three years later.

Sharing the news on social media, Nwagwu expressed delight after successfully defending his dissertation, describing the accomplishment as a significant landmark in his lifelong commitment to learning.

His graduation ceremony was witnessed by top officials of the University of Ibadan, including the Acting Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, his academic supervisor, and other university administrators.

Professor Nwagwu started his educational career with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Ibadan before obtaining a Master’s degree from the University of London and his first PhD in Zoology from Stockholm University, Sweden.

He later carried out postdoctoral studies at the University of Connecticut in the United States and taught at Brock University in Canada before returning home to Nigeria.

Apart from his remarkable achievements in science, Nwagwu is also a celebrated poet, essayist, and author with several published books to his name.

He is among the few individuals honoured as both a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors.

The veteran academic first disclosed his plan to pursue another doctorate in 2023, explaining that he wanted to undertake more detailed research into historical and cultural subjects that could not be fully explored through ordinary writing.

His newest academic success has attracted widespread praise as a powerful demonstration of lifelong education, showing that advancing age does not prevent intellectual development or academic excellence.

Nigerian Professor Obtains Second Doctorate at 89

Nigerian Professor Obtains Second Doctorate at 89

Nigerian Professor Obtains Second Doctorate at 89