By Diran Laolu

Retired Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Ibadan, Professor Mark Nwagwu has defended his second PhD at the Institute of African Studies at the age of 89.

His defence on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Institute of African Studies marked a milestone in his PhD in Anthropology’s journey.

This development has drawn well-wishers and congratulatory messages for the veteran scholar.

Background: How the Second PhD Journey Began

According to information gathered, Professor Nwagwu first announced his intention to pursue a second doctorate on his 86th birthday in May 2023. While also revealing he had registered for the programme in the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ibadan.

Prior to this achievement, he studied Zoology at University College Ibadan (now University of Ibadan) from 1957 and earned his B.Sc. from the University of London in 1961, followed by an M.Sc. in Zoology, also from the University of London, in 1965. 

That same year, he completed his first PhD in Zoology at Stockholm University in Sweden. He later conducted post-doctoral research at the University of Connecticut in the United States (1966–1969), focusing on myosin messenger RNA and muscle protein synthesis.

Professor Nwagwu also began his international teaching career as Assistant Professor at Brock University in Canada in 1969, rising to Associate Professor. He returned to Nigeria and joined the University of Ibadan, where he advanced through the ranks to become Professor of Zoology in 1982 and later Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology.

He retired from UI in 2002 after a distinguished career that included significant contributions to malaria research. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (FNAS) and the only scholar who is also a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (FANA).

Beyond academia, Nwagwu is a prolific poet, novelist, and columnist whose works have appeared in major Nigerian newspapers.