The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration by Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State.
Although the degree was conferred during the institution’s 14th Convocation Lecture, Speaker Abbas was officially decorated in his office by the university’s founder, Alhaji Chief (Dr) Abdulraheem Oladimeji, and Vice Chancellor, Professor Noah Yusuf.
The Speaker had delivered the 14th Convocation Lecture on December 30, 2024, titled Beyond Oil: Exploring Alternative Revenue Potentials for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria. His address was widely praised by academics, economists, and industry experts.
During a courtesy visit to the Speaker’s office, the Al-Hikmah University delegation, which included the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, expressed their appreciation for his contributions.
Professor Yusuf noted that Speaker Abbas’s lecture had received global recognition, stating, “The lecture has continued to attract positive reactions from the academic community, national economic stakeholders, and the public.”
During the visit, the Vice Chancellor presented a proposal for a Roundtable on Beyond Oil, emphasizing the need to extend discussions beyond the university setting to public discourse. He suggested that the roundtable should involve government officials, economic policymakers, and scholars in public finance.
“The theme of the 14th Convocation Lecture aptly addresses the current economic challenges in Nigeria and provides a roadmap for the future. It is imperative to engage policymakers and experts in meaningful discussions on implementation strategies,” Professor Yusuf stated.
Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladimeji, the founder of Al-Hikmah University, commended Speaker Abbas for accepting the invitation to deliver the convocation lecture despite having never met him before.
In response, Speaker Abbas expressed deep gratitude for the honour, pledging his continued support for the university.
The Speaker also praised the university’s founder, highlighting his remarkable achievement in establishing an institution of higher learning despite not attending university himself.