At the 16th convocation ceremony of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, took a moment to honor a remarkable achievement that captured the hearts of everyone present. The governor celebrated 85-year-old Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, who made history as the oldest person in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to receive a PhD, a momentous occasion for both the institution and the country.
The convocation marked an exceptional milestone for TASUED as it graduated its first set of doctorate students, with Onafowokan leading the way. The governor applauded the dedication and resilience displayed by Onafowokan, whose academic journey against all odds is a testament to lifelong learning and unwavering commitment.
Governor Abiodun’s speech underscored the alignment of TASUED’s growth with his administration’s emphasis on education. He expressed his belief in the university’s potential to lead in areas critical to the development of Ogun State, particularly in education, mechanized agriculture, and agro-industrial growth. “TASUED is well positioned to meet the demand for educators and extension officers to support these initiatives,” he said, urging the university to forge stronger collaborations with other research institutions.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a N2.5 million gift to Onafowokan, who earned his PhD in Educational Media and Technology. Governor Abiodun commended him for his tenacity and perseverance in achieving the highest academic honor at his age. “History is being made today,” the governor said, emphasizing that not only was TASUED celebrating its first Doctorate graduates, but it was also putting Ogun State on the global map with Onafowokan’s remarkable achievement.
The governor praised the university’s management, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Oluwole Banjo, for their strategic vision and the significant developments at the institution. These include a 100% accreditation of its programs and the expansion into new fields like pure arts, sciences, and social sciences. He also highlighted the development of a groundbreaking digital platform to enhance educational delivery and school administration, an achievement that is now attracting interest from other states in Nigeria.
Governor Abiodun pointed to the consistent improvement in education in Ogun State, citing the government’s massive investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and student welfare. The governor’s remarks emphasized that the state’s educational reforms were not only yielding results in national and international academic competitions but were also making a significant impact on the quality of education offered in the state.
As part of the event, Onafowokan received warm applause from the audience for his extraordinary accomplishment. The governor expressed deep pride in his academic achievements, noting that he had set a powerful example for younger generations. “You have thrown down the gauntlet for us all,” the governor remarked, affirming that the 85-year-old’s pursuit of knowledge was an inspiration for everyone present.
The convocation also saw several other students awarded for their outstanding academic performance, including Abdulateef Adedamola Adedeji, who emerged as the best graduating student with a 4.91 CGPA. Adedeji expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for prioritizing education in Ogun State and urged his fellow graduates to embrace the challenges that lay ahead with determination and commitment.
Speaking further, Governor Abiodun commended TASUED’s leadership for its ongoing efforts to modernize the university, including the installation of an independent power project to ensure 24-hour electricity, the purchase of new buses, and the renovation of facilities to improve the student experience. These initiatives, he stated, were integral to the university’s vision of becoming a leading institution for academic excellence.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of TASUED, Professor Rahamon Adisa Bello, also addressed the gathering, urging the graduates to apply the knowledge they had acquired at the university to overcome real-world challenges. He stressed the importance of using their education to solve pressing societal issues.
Vice Chancellor Professor Banjo reflected on the progress made by the university under his leadership, highlighting the development of critical infrastructure such as the Science Laboratory Complex, new buses, and the expansion of the university’s Health Centre. He emphasized the need for universities to continuously adapt to the evolving global landscape while staying true to their mission of delivering high-quality education.
In his convocation lecture titled “From Classroom to Cloud: Leveraging Digital Literacy for National Development,” Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, underscored the role of technology in transforming education and the economy. He encouraged the graduates to embrace digital literacy as a tool for national development, emphasizing that technological advancement is crucial for the future growth of Nigeria.
Onafowokan’s inspiring journey to earning a PhD at the age of 85 was widely celebrated, as it broke barriers and proved that age is no obstacle to the pursuit of education. His success story was not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the progressive educational environment fostered by TASUED and the commitment of Ogun State’s leadership to enhancing learning opportunities.
Governor Abiodun’s speech was filled with encouragement for the graduates, urging them to remain lifelong learners and use their knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to society. He reminded them that graduation was not the end of their educational journey but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to growth and development.
In addition to the accolades for Onafowokan, the governor also congratulated the other graduates, noting that their success was a result of the support of their families, teachers, and the university community. He encouraged them to be proud ambassadors of TASUED and to apply their education in ways that would bring positive change to Nigeria and beyond.
The event culminated in the awarding of certificates to graduates, followed by celebratory remarks and photos, as students, staff, and guests commemorated this historic occasion. The 85-year-old PhD graduate, Bolaji Onafowokan, was the star of the day, with his remarkable achievement inspiring all those in attendance to pursue their dreams, regardless of age or challenges.
As the convocation drew to a close, Governor Abiodun’s words resonated deeply with the graduates: “May your path be illuminated with wisdom and purpose as you aspire for the next chapter of your life.” With this powerful message, the ceremony concluded, marking a significant moment in the history of TASUED and Ogun State’s educational journey.
*Tayo Mabeweje*
*Media Consultant to the Executive Governor of Ogun State*
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