Shuaibu Usman
A 62-year-old man from Cross River State, Effiong Michael, has enrolled for National Diploma Programme at the Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic Lafia to acquire advanced knowledge in his area of vocation despite having over 30 years of field-based experience in his course of study.
Michael, a student of electrical engineering, told Nasarawa Newsline, he was excited to secure admission into the Polytechnic at his age.
Our correspondent, Shuaibu Usman, reports that age has been socially an impediment to middle-aged persons in the quest of acquiring more knowledge particularly in a classroom setting. But the case of Michael is different as he considers age as a number not a barrier to seeking knowledge.
Michael, a staffer of the Works Department, Federal University of Lafia, said he had only few years to retire and focus more on his family life, adding that he secured admission in the 2023/2024 academic session primarily to enrich his potential even after retirement.
Draped in his matriculation gown among very young students, the 62-year-old explained that age cannot stop him from achieving his goals, noting that he was ready to study hard and abide by the rules and regulations governing the Polytechnic.
He expressed delight for securing admission to further his academic pursuit despite enormous responsibilities in catering for his family needs.
He called on youths in the country to use the advantage of time to acquire suitable knowledge in their prime and not to be overwhelmed by peer influences that may mar their future, maintaining that the little time he had spent in the institution so far, he was privileged to be a student of the Polytechnic due to what he called “its friendly disposition”.