“Age is just a number – but studying keeps the mind active”

Ghana born Anthony Mensah is graduating with an LLM Human Rights aged 78, and plans to devote his time and energy to fighting Female Genital Mutiliation (FGM) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Anthony with Professor Bill Bowring

I am originally from Ghana but came to the UK in 1966 as a trainee accountant, and am now a British citizen.

Sometime in 2011, I saw a newspaper advert for Birkbeck for a two year diploma course in Law. I applied, and was sent a problem question in the post to answer. I answered it to the best of my ability, and was invited to interview at the School of Law by the Dean at the time, Professor Patricia Tuitt. She was impressed with my performance, and I was thrilled when she invited me to enrol on the LLB course instead of the diploma.

My first and second years were a bit of a struggle, and a stark contrast between my professional accountancy course. Patricia Costall, an Academic Support Tutor, helped me understand how to write an academic essay and properly reference my work – I am very grateful for her help during my course and I know a lot of other students will agree with me that she was very helpful. I really enjoyed the lectures from most of my tutors; Fred Cowell, Piyel Halder, Adam Gearey, Leslie Moran and Patricia Tuitt, to name a few; and I had good relationships with my classmates.

My wife, Emma, was very excited for me throughout my studies. She gave me lots of good advice and encouragement.  I owe her an immeasurable debt of gratitude for the support and encouragement she has given me. Without her, I don’t think I would have got the marks in my LLB that I needed to proceed onto my LLM in Human Rights.

I decided to enrol on the LLM because I am passionate about tackling the complex Human Rights issues in Sub-Saharan Africa, where I am from. In particular, in the future I intend to lead a crusade against Female Genital Mutilation which is common practice in almost all countries on the continent.

I didn’t think about my age when I was applying. Age is just a number. However studying later in life is good for exercising the brain. So I would advise anyone thinking about starting a degree to start looking into it and making enquiries. You will feel so confident in yourself when you complete it.

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4 thoughts on ““Age is just a number – but studying keeps the mind active”

  1. Dr Nana k. Ofori

    Age is indeed a number. I am extremely happy for you, Mr Anthony Mensah. You have set the pace for all elderly Africans in the UK and beyond that education has no age limit.
    Congratulations and may God bless you, cheers.

    Reply
  2. EMILIA ADDO

    Oh Tony! my heart greatly rejoices in this HONOURABLE achievement. BRAVO my friend and brother!The LORD GOD is with thee. Your wife Emma is part of GOD’S DIVINE blessing and Grace offered. Enjoy all that to the end. May the LORD GOD continue to be with you all. Amen!

    Reply
  3. Dr EMILIA A K ADDO

    Tony, myself and Jonathan congratulate you on your great achievements! May the DIVINE LORD’S ASSISTANCE always remain with you…Amen!

    Reply

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