The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in French to a 78-year-old scholar, Dr Hammid Taju, during its 56th convocation ceremony held in Lagos on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, announced this in her address, describing Dr Taju as the oldest graduating student at this year’s convocation.
“We have among the graduands today Dr Hammid Taju, who obtained a PhD in French at the youthful age of 78 years,” Ogunsola said.
She also highlighted another inspirational graduate, Oba Sulaimon Bangbande, the Olofin of Isheri, who completed a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Systems Engineering.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the convocation ceremony also features the award of degrees to graduates of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS), alongside the recognition of individuals for outstanding contributions to scholarship and humanity.
Ogunsola disclosed that two retired academics—Prof. James Olowokudejo of the Department of Botany and Prof. Duro Oni of the Department of Theatre Arts—would be honoured with the title of Emeritus Professor, while Prof. Akinsanya Osibogun, a renowned medical scholar, would be conferred with the title of Distinguished Professor.
She added that gold medals would be presented to Prof. Ayoka Olusakin, a Professor of Counselling Psychology.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that a total of 5,775 students graduated from the School of Postgraduate Studies and ULBS, out of over 16,000 students graduating during the convocation.
She noted that 479 students completed their Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programmes, with 41 earning distinctions, while 5,184 students completed their Master’s degrees, including 429 with distinctions. Of the 112 ULBS graduates, 32 recorded distinctions.
Ogunsola also announced that the overall best PGD student, who also produced the best PhD thesis in the sciences, was Mr Haruna Abubakar, who earned a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Structural Option).