By Olivia Obijiaku
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria conferred an Honorary Doctor of Science degree Honors Causa on Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at her 45th Convocation Ceremony, which took place in Mamman Kontagora Square, ABU, Zaria, Saturday, January 31, 2026. The function was performed by the Chancellor of the University, His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe.
Prior to the conferment, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adamu Ahmed oriented that, the recipient was one of the two outstanding personalities recommended for the honorary recognition in the previous year. But she was unable to attend the ceremony at that time, due to circumstances beyond her control. He disclosed that the University was pleased to formally confer the well-deserved honour on her at the event.
Prof. Ahmed intimated that the recognition is in acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions to national development, global economic governance, public service, and her unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and service to humanity. He summed that her achievements will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians and the global community.
The VC announced, “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is my singular honour to inform this august gathering that, at this 45th Convocation Ceremony, Ahmadu Bello University, is conferring an Honorary Doctor of Science degree Honours Causa on an eminent daughter of Nigeria and a distinguished global leader, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala GCON.”
“On behalf of the Governing Council, the Senate, and the entire University community, I extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on this distinguished and well-earned honour, and we celebrate her as a worthy recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Science degree of Ahmadu Bello University.”
At the same ceremony, no fewer than 27,370 graduands were conferred with respective degrees and diplomas. Disclosing this while delivering his address during the ceremony Prof. Ahmed asserted that the newly equipped have been found worthy of being admitted to their respective degrees and diplomas of the University, having satisfied the academic requirements prescribed by Senate.
He congratulated them, on behalf of the Senate, the Governing Council, and the entire University community, orienting that they have become ambassadors of the institution, with the charge to, “uphold the values of integrity, excellence, service, and leadership that define Ahmadu Bell University.”
