http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6196294.stm
Nigerian leader to be a student
President Obasanjo never went to university as a young manPresident Olusegun Obasanjo, who stands down in 2007, has become the country's oldest undergraduate by enrolling at the Open University at the age of 69.
"No matter how high one rises, one can never be too big, too high or too old to learn" Mr Obasanjo said in Abuja.
Mr Obasanjo has registered as a student in the Open University's School of Arts and Social Sciences, but it is not clear what he will be studying.
He promised to be a good student. He already owns a university of his own.
"I shall pay due respect and be obedient to the vice chancellor and other officers of the university," President Obasanjo said.
"I will leave no stone unturned to undertake my academic work seriously."
"Exactly six months from now, I will cease to be the visitor," he said at a ceremony in the capital, referring to next May when he completes his term as Nigeria's president.
"I will be student Obasanjo of the National Open University of Nigeria."
Pledging to "take this business of studying very seriously", Mr Obasanjo said he was not too old to learn and said that other senior citizens should learn from his example.
President Obasanjo said he would "not seek any special privileges except those conferred on me by virtue of my studentship status."
Vice President Atiku Abubakar who is the proprietor of a university, has said he will teach when he retires from politics.
The relationship between the two men - who were once allies - has deteriorated sharply since Mr Abubakar opposed President Obasanjo's unsuccessful attempt to change the constitution so he could stand for a third term in 2007.
Mr Obasanjo is now opposed to Mr Abubakar replacing him as president.
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01-12-06, 11:43 PM
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