Nigeria, Feb. 1 -- At the just-concluded 56th convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, announced that 78-year-old Hammid Taju was the oldest PhD graduate of the event. Mr Taju, who earned his doctorate in French, returned to school after a long career in public service and banking.

In this interview with PREMIUM TIMES, he speaks about why he decided to study French at his age and what the achievement means to him.

Mr Taju: The decision to pursue a PhD at 78 came after I undertook a master's degree in Teaching of French as a Second Language. Following the completion of that programme, it was considered that I was suitable for admission into the PhD programme in French, and I was of...