… as ex-President receives post-office honorary doctorate

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Vice Chancellor of Nile University of Nigeria, Prof. Dilli Dogo, on Wednesday underscored the institution’s commitment to academic integrity, merit and global best practices, as he hosted former President Goodluck Jonathan for the university’s 13th convocation ceremony in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, where Jonathan was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Political Science and International Relations, Prof. Dogo said Nile University’s recognition culture is rooted in values that celebrate genuine service and impact.

He noted that honorary degrees bestowed by the institution are reserved for individuals with demonstrable contributions to national development, insisting that the university has maintained a tradition of credibility in line with international academic norms.

It was in response to this commitment that former President Jonathan used the occasion to reiterate his long-standing stance that universities should refrain from giving honorary doctorates to serving public office holders.

Jonathan, who left office a decade ago, said he accepted Nile University’s honour precisely because it aligned with his belief that such awards are more meaningful when given after leaders have completed their tenure.

“I have always said honorary doctorate degrees should not be given to serving officers,” Jonathan said.

“When people are still in power, these recognitions may be misunderstood as political patronage. It is better to wait until one leaves office, so the honour is seen for what it truly is.”

He recalled rejecting most honorary degree offers during his time in government,except one he accepted at the insistence of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, adding that Nile University’s gesture “is worth accepting” because it comes at a time when he can be objectively assessed.

Turning to the graduands, Jonathan reminded them that “a certificate is just a paper” unless backed by character, values and societal contribution. He urged them to shun shortcuts to success, saying such behaviour “reflects poor education.”

He also praised the strong performance of female students at the institution, particularly in engineering, law and economics, describing it as a positive indicator for the nation’s progress.

The Vice Chancellor said the convocation marked another milestone in Nile University’s steady rise as a leading centre of academic excellence since its establishment in 2009.

Prof. Dogo highlighted extensive investments in infrastructure, research capacity and global partnerships that now position the university to train graduates to be competitive in the 21st-century workforce.

He cited the state-of-the-art medical simulation centre in the College of Health Sciences, which has helped earn recognition from the UK’s General Medical Council and the U.S. He also stated ongoing international certifications for students, including the ACCA foundation in Accounting certification, as well as the newly launched business school featuring faculty from world-class institutions globally.

With the global digital economy rapidly evolving, Dogo noted that the university has introduced AI literacy programmes, describing them as “a necessity rather than a luxury.”

Charging the graduates, he urged them to become job creators rather than job seekers: “Go and change the narrative by becoming employers of labour rather than compounding the already chaotic unemployment market.”

The overall best graduating students of Nile University of Nigeria, Tosam-Jesse Winter and Fatima Kabir Abubakar, delivered stirring valedictory remarks that celebrated resilience, faith, gratitude and the transformative power of education.

Winter, who finished with a perfect 5.0 CGPA in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, said the milestone was a product of “God’s grace, the sacrifices of my parents, and the dedication of the lecturers who guided me with patience and wisdom.”

He paid tribute to the university’s faculty and the Honoris United Universities Network for providing the academic environment that enabled students to realise their aspirations.

“Graduation is only the beginning,” he said. “The world we are entering needs problem solvers and visionaries who refuse to accept limitations. Let us not just pursue success; let us create solutions and uplift our communities.”

Abubakar, who also graduated with a CGPA of 5.0 from the Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, echoed similar sentiments, describing the day as a fulfilment of divine mercy and perseverance.

She said the achievements of the graduating class reflected “brilliance, resilience and determination,” and thanked parents, lecturers, university leadership and the Honoris network for shaping their journey.

“Work with intention, commit yourself to excellence, and trust that God’s plan is always better and His timing perfect,” she told her colleagues.

Both valedictorians urged the graduates to embody integrity, collaboration and resilience as they move into the world, stressing that the true value of a university education lies not merely in certificates but in character and the capacity to transform society.

The convocation drew an array of dignitaries, including the Chancellor and Shehu of Borno, HRH Abubakar El-Kanemi; the Pro-Chancellor, John Vermaaten; former Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Sule Lamido, among others.

Corporate partners such as Zenith Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Providus Bank, Coronation, ACCA, Alpha Morgan, Renmoney, Media Seal and Senator Osita Izunaso presented awards to outstanding graduates,reflecting Nile University’s strong industry-linked ecosystem.