89-летний профессор Марк Нвагву защитил вторую докторскую диссертацию

News Follow Us on Google August 25, 2026 by Alao Abiodun | Senior Reporter Meet Prof Nwagwu who bagged second PhD at 89 years Prof Mark Nwagwu proved the axiom that age is not a barrier to learning. His latest academic feat has earned him the status of an exemplary octogenarian. Recently, Prof Nwagwu, a scholar of Cell and Molecular Biology, bagged his second PhD thesis in Cultural Studies and New Media recently. Not one to rest on his oars, he was 86 when he started his second PhD in 2023. This latest feat comes 61 years after his first PhD and 44 years after he became a full Professor at Ibadan. His professional work in science and the arts has made him the only Nigerian who is both a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors. Prof Nwagwu grew up in Aba, Abia State. Prof. Nwagwu was born in Oboetiti, Nguru Aboh Mbaise, in Imo State on May 5, 1937. He was born to Charles Obasi and Helen Nwagwu. He started primary school in 1942 at Christ the King School, first in its kindergarten years, 1942-43. In 1949, he completed his primary school education and proceeded to St. Patrick’s College, Calabar. Prof Nwagwu had his secondary education there between 1950 and 1956. He remained at St. Patrick’s College because the school had started a Higher School Certificate programme in sciences. It was the only college in Nigeria at that time with a Higher School Certificate in sciences. In 1955, he started my Higher School Certificate in Chemistry, Botany and Zoology. READ ALSO: High rent, home ownership: Analysing Hamzat’s pact with Lagosians He received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Zoology. He also obtained his PhD at Stockholm University between 1962 and 1965. Prof Nwagwu’s degree was focused on Zoophysiology, which involved gas relations, development, differentiation and the biochemistry of differentiation. He also went to the University of Connecticut between 1966 and 1969, where he was exposed to Cell and Molecular Biology, particularly messenger RNA. In 1969, he was appointed assistant professor at Brock University, Canada, where he later rose to associate professor in 1973. Returning to Nigeria, he worked as a senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan until his retirement in 2002. He has 12 books to his credit, including four poetry collections that were dedicated to his dear late wife, Professor Helen Onyemazuwa Nwagwu. His late wife, Helen, retired from her post as Professor of Clinical Psychology in the Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ibadan. According to Prof. Nwagwu, in an interview, he said: “The Almighty God blessed Helen and me with four children – a girl, Ugochi, a boy, Uzoma, a girl, Onyema, and a boy, Ikemefula. He has called Onyema and Helen to His face, and I now have with me Ugochi, Uzoma and Ikemefula.” Some of his works include Forever Chimes (2007), My Eyes Dance (2010), and I Am Kagara (2016). He has also published four works of poetry, including Helen Not-of-Troy (2009), Cat Man Dew (2012), HelenaVenus (2013), and Time Came Upon Me (2019). Prof. Nwagwu is a frequent contributor to several Nigerian newspapers on social and moral issues. In 2000, he established Youth and Enterprise Initiative, a non-governmental agency that promotes excellence in our youths. 📢 ADVERTISEMENT DISCLAIMER: Links above are sponsored posts. The Nation assumes no liability or responsibility for the claims, products, or services offered by third-party advertisers. Proceed with discretion. Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Nation Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline — join now! Join The Nation Channel Get instant breaking news and exclusive updates right on your feed! Subscribe to The Nation Newspaper Telegram channel and never miss a headline. Join The Nation on Telegram