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By Gabriel Dike
Dr. Bolaji Frederick Olusegun was the star attraction at the 23rd convocation of Babcock University (BU), Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. He was the oldest person among the 3,568 graduates.
The 71-year-old Law PhD graduate was celebrated by the university management and applauded by fellow graduands and guests.
He told Daily Sun of an incident that made him read Law, age not his barrier to acquire a higher degree, his one-year ill-health during the programme and many others. Excerpts:
Briefly tell us your background
I am a native of Egbe (Egbe-Mekun), Yagba West Local Government, Kogi State. I worked in International Bank for West Africa, which became Afribank Nigeria Plc (now defunct) from September 1980 to July 2006 when I voluntarily retired.
I started my law firm immediately and remain the principal partner of the firm Olusegun Bolaji and Co. I had a brief stay at the defunct Bank PHB when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervened. I was appointed Executive Director in charge of Operations and Information Technology between 2010 and 2011
How did your PhD journey start?
The journey into the study of Law actually started when I was unlawfully incarcerated for about sixty-five days along with some of my bosses. After my release my love for Law was reawakened and I registered at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.
I proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja, for the BL (2004/2005). I later went back to LASU for my LLM specialising in Maritime and Commercial Law. The PhD started in 2022 and should have been completed in 2024 but for ill health. It led to my hospitalisation and suspension of the thesis work for the greater part of 2024. All course works were completed and passed since 2023.
How do you feel being the oldest PhD graduate of BU?
I do not feel special being the oldest person among the graduating class. I related with everyone well and was not conscious of this until the announcement was made.
What were the reactions of your children and grandchildren when they heard about you studying for a PhD?
Everyone in my home had been part of this journey. My wife has been very supportive and the children have remained proud and they consider this a challenge.
How did you relate with your fellow younger PhD students?
I related very well with my colleagues, faculty officers and my lecturers. I was treated with dignity and respect by my supervisors and other relevant lecturers in the faculty team.
Did you ever think of abandoning the programme at any time?
At no time did I imagine my abandoning the programme. The setback of one year due to ill health is God’s doing and I took it with calmness and grace.
At 71, do you think having a PhD is really worth it?
I consider this as an opportunity to challenge status quo, change the narratives, throw away wrong and old assumptions. Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory said: “Learning is a continuum, the moment we stop learning, we are dead.” There is no limit to learning. Consequently, it is worth a while because it pays to stand for what is right even if you have to stand-alone.
What’s your next plan?
I wish to be involved in impacting knowledge, contribute my quota to arbitration practice particularly international investment arbitration, which is my area of specialisation in view of our nation’s urge for foreign direct investments.
Tell us how your children, grandchildren and friends celebrated when you finished the PhD programme?
The whole family including my 107 years mother and other siblings of mine celebrated and are still celebrating the milestone achievement.
What’s the contribution of your thesis to the field of Law?
In terms of findings, it was confirm that there is an urgent need to reform, update and overhaul the legal framework for international investment arbitration in Nigeria to achieve the developmental needs and attract desired foreign direct investments. Also, there is need for rigorous inter and intra agencies and departments collaboration and removal of all bottlenecks. Also, professional investment arbitrators should directly be engaged and exposed to international best practices.
Will you say you have fulfilled your life dream?
Finally, in terms of fulfilment, I have always craved for the best and highest possible professional and educational achievement and experience. However, I am interested in updating my knowledge, learn a second language to help me in the practice of arbitration at the international level and improve my knowledge of information technology and latest developments at the global level.
