Eighty-year-old South African Robert Jeffrey is proof that one is never too old to learn.

The accomplished scholar and retired wheelchair-bound businessman received his PhD in engineering management at the University of Johannesburg's auditorium on March 23.

Jeffrey had worked extensively in the energy field and after losing use of his legs, he decided to use his vast experience to pursue a qualification, thus embarking on a project that would give him some purpose.

"I was now essentially desk bound and so, I decided that I may as well write about my experience in this field which had begun 30 years ago," said the grandfather of eight in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).

Jeffery's decision came as somewhat of a surprise to Prof. Andre Nel at the University of Johannesburg whose PHD candidates were mostly under the age of 35.

"My immediate honest response was I wonder if I'm being pranked. It's not every day that somebody in their mid-70s walks into your office and says, 'I'd like to do a PHD in an engineering management topic'," the professor recalled, issuing a chuckle.

Jeffrey proved to be a star student. His thesis, which took him four years to complete, is an independent economic analysis of the electricity generation industry in South Africa and an assessment of the best course of action that the country can take to develop its electricity generation resources.

Prof. Nel said Jeffrey was a pleasure to work with.

"As a PHD candidate, he was very close probably to the ideal in most respects - hardworking, very committed, passionate about his topic. I think Rob has proven that there's no such thing as leaving it late and not getting it finished. You can do it even in your 70s and even in precarious health," he said.

When taking to the stage to receive his doctoral degree, Jeffrey got a standing ovation from the audience present at the ceremony.

"I was nervous but by the same token proud to be able to be sitting amongst many people who had done their studies. I've now succeeded in doing something that I never expected to do," said the proud octogenarian.

For Dr. Jeffrey, the days of daring quests are now over. He's happy to spend the rest of his life doing photography or playing bridge.