Ilorin, Kwara State – A retired Nigerian Army General, Dr. Ola Orisamolade, has earned a Doctorate in Mathematics from the University of Ilorin at the age of 72, driven by a passion for the subject that began in his childhood.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ilorin, Orisamolade described the achievement as a culmination of his lifelong love for mathematics and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
“After completing my primary and secondary education, I proceeded to the University of Lagos to study Mathematics. I later joined the Nigerian Army in 1975,” he recalled.
Orisamolade rose to the rank of General before retiring from active service in 2010. He returned to academia, completing a Master’s degree in Mathematics at the University of Lagos in 2017, and later enrolled in a PhD programme at the University of Ilorin.
“The passion I have for mathematics pushed me further… and here I am today, successfully achieving my goal,” he said.
A native of Ondo Town in Ondo State, Dr. Orisamolade recently defended his doctoral thesis in Mathematics, earning praise from academic leaders at the university.
The Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. Bamidele Owoyele, described his success as a testament to the university’s inclusive academic values, emphasizing that age should never be a limitation.
Orisamolade’s thesis supervisor, Prof. Kamilu Rauf, lauded his resilience, focus, and perseverance—especially in the face of personal loss, including the passing of his wife during the course of his studies.
“Dr. Orisamolade’s 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.
He added that the University of Ilorin continues to foster a culture of lifelong learning and academic excellence, supporting individuals of all ages in their quest for knowledge.
NAN reports that the university’s postgraduate programmes have produced over 15,000 PhD graduates in the past 15 years.
