60-year-old makes first class, gets eight awards at UI

THE NATION

A 60-year old man Mr Farouk Sannibhas graduated with a first class degree in Sociology at the University of Ibadan, winning eight awards. 

Sanni emerged the best graduating student in his department in the ongoing 75th anniversary convocation ceremony of the premier university. 

The new graduate, who is a retired banker, said he felt accomplished studying Sociology as he opted for the course with a view to understanding why people behave the way they do.

The sexagenarian revealed that he has studied Accounting at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife imposed by an uncle.

According to him, he took up the challenge to stay healthy and pursue his quest to understand human behaviour after retiring from the United Bank of Africa (UBA). 

He sat for the University Matriculation Examination (UTME) again and gained admission for Sociology. 

The shining graduand, who bagged eight awards as a result of the feat, said he wrote UTME with his child, who is studying Law at the same university. 

Recounting his experience as an undergraduate again, Sanni said: “Studying in a class where you have those who of the same age with your children can be very challenging, but I was magnanimous to accommodate what happened. Some called me daddy, some called me Mr Sanni while some will even say ‘he may be a daddy but he is not my father’. I experienced a lot of things, but as an old person, I was able to remain focused.”