Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has once again stated that he remains unsure of his exact age, noting that the only reliable clues come from the ages of his surviving classmates.
Speaking during the Toyin Falola Interview Series on Sunday, themed “A Conversation with His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,” the former leader explained that several of his primary and secondary school mates are still alive—yet none is younger than 90.
The session was moderated by Professor Toyin Falola, with Bishop Matthew Kukah and former presidential candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, also participating.
Obasanjo used the platform to highlight the purpose of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, describing it as a hub for preserving national history and strengthening institutional memory. He disclosed that more than three million documents have already been digitised, with another three million awaiting digitisation.
He said:
“We have digitalised over 3 million materials. We still have about the same number to digitalise. When these materials are digitalised, people can have access to them… We preserve the past, take note of the present, and hope to inspire the future.”
The former president added that the library holds extensive personal and historical records, including his school files, private letters, manuscripts written in prison, and even crops he cultivated while incarcerated.
Despite this archive of records, Obasanjo insists his true age remains uncertain.
He explained:
“I don’t know my exact age, but I can judge from those who were in school with me… I believe six of my secondary school classmates are still alive, and none of them is less than 90. I leave it to you to guess my age.”
Obasanjo also emphasised the importance of recordkeeping, noting that the Presidential Library was established to address Nigeria’s weak culture of documentation.
