“He should be awarded” – 70-year-old student bags first class from UNIJOS (Photos)
A 70 years old Nigerian man identified as Ben Duamlong, has graduated with a first class degree from the University of Jos (UNIJOS).
The former coach of Under 20 Nigerian footballers was reported to be among the 20,532 students that graduated from the university in 2022/2023 set.
He enrolled in the degree programme out of his passion for education after his retirement as a football coach. Duamlong, who studied painting at the University, made the list of 112 students who bagged first class.
The Septuagenarian, who spoke on how people see obtaining a first class degree as a big task for students, said it ought not to be so.
The man said, “What prompted me to go back to the university at this age is because of my passion for art. All my life, I have always drawn but never painted. I like painting. I can draw but I can’t paint.”
“So, after retiring in 2014, as a footballer, I stayed home doing nothing. That is why I decided to go back to school.”
Social media users trooped to comment section as they hailed the man. While many praised him, some criticized him for getting such degree at his seventies. Some reactions are shown below:
@darkwolfzik said, “Congratulations sir wish you better things ahead I beg make una show am luv 💝”.
@Gbemidahgreat said, “When I see such post i remember the blessings I got from my great grandmother before she breath her last breath 12 years ago..she put her hand on my head and dropped some serious wisdom .she said “my girl one day people will waste their time and read your comment”today is the day”.
@TFikunmi said, “Lord almighty I pray that I will and shall not bag anything meaningful in my life at my old age in Jesus name (AMEN). Congratulations to him, more wins ✌️”.
@kyleeGee3 said, “Just feel emotional about this. Can imagine the zee of this man to go to school and how he might have struggle all his life this this very age. This is how lot of people will struggle in life till will end up making it in their old age when they might have even given up”.
@OquaSandra20 said, “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”
@lusciousije said, “It’s never too late to achieve your dreams.”
@badt_igboboy said, “You never stop learning until the day you die….congrats to baba 👏🏾”.