Caleb Onyema, Pedro Okwudili, Paula Osebor, Obioma Agbo, and Alphonsus Omah to Receive Honorary Doctorates from BAOUC, California
By Genesis Ogiri, Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria — The British American Open University (BAOU), California, is set to honor five distinguished Nigerians with Honorary Doctoral Degrees in recognition of their exceptional contributions to leadership, education, business, and humanitarian service. The prestigious investiture ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja.
The event, which promises to be a landmark celebration of service and excellence, is expected to attract dignitaries from academia, politics, business, diplomacy, and traditional institutions. According to the Secretary of the Planning and Mobilization Committee, Mr. Leonard Papee Onuchukwu, the honorees were carefully selected as “exemplars of integrity, transformational leadership, and unwavering service to humanity.”
"This ceremony will not only recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of these outstanding Nigerians but will also highlight the global value of service, leadership, and integrity,” Mr. Onuchukwu told journalists.
The recipients of this year’s honorary degrees include Rt. Hon. Caleb Onyema Ani, Hon. Chief Pedro Okwudili Nwankwo, Ms. Ikaehota Paula Osebor, Princess Mrs. Obioma Agbo (Nee Ugwuegede), and High Chief Alphonsus Osita Omah.
British American Open University: A Global Beacon of Excellence
The British American Open University, California, stands as a global citadel of learning with a mission to democratize education and raise leaders whose influence transcends borders. Built on the pillars of academic excellence, ethical leadership, and global impact, BAOU has continued to promote practical learning and transformational leadership across continents.
Its Honorary Doctoral Degrees are among the most prestigious of their kind, conferred only on individuals whose achievements and service reflect uncommon dedication to humanity and societal progress.
The honorees include:
Rt. Hon. Caleb Onyema Ani: A Servant-Leader Redefining Grassroots Governance
In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, Rt. Hon. Caleb Onyema Ani has emerged as a shining emblem of grassroots transformation and people-centered governance. His story is not just one of political success, but of servant-leadership rooted in humility, resilience, and a vision to uplift his people.
As the current Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Ani has set a new benchmark for transparent governance and grassroots transformation. His political trajectory is a compelling testament to vision, humility, and people-driven governance. Rising from the grassroots as Assistant Secretary of PDP Ward 11, he quickly earned the trust of his community through diligence and integrity.
His appointment as Community Liaison Officer to the Executive Governor of Enugu State and later as Special Assistant to the Chairman of Enugu South LGA showcased his diplomatic acumen and ability to bridge governance with the needs of the people. Elected Councillor for Obeagu/Amaechi Uno Ward 11, and subsequently chosen as Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Ani demonstrated uncommon leadership, driving reforms that placed community welfare at the heart of legislative priorities.
In 2024, his election as Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area marked a new chapter of purposeful leadership. Today, he stands as a torchbearer of transparent governance, youth and women empowerment, and inclusive development—embodying the servant-leadership ideals urgently needed in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Known for his humility and loyalty to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he has championed youth and women empowerment initiatives, infrastructural development, and community inclusion. His leadership is widely hailed as a model of servant-leadership in contemporary Nigerian politics.
More than a politician, Rt. Hon. Ani is a devout Christian and community builder, whose leadership style blends moral integrity with political wisdom. His humility and empathy have earned him the love of his constituents, the respect of his peers, and recognition as one of the most promising grassroots leaders in contemporary Nigerian politics.
Today, Rt. Hon. Caleb Onyema Ani is not merely administering Enugu South—he is building a legacy of trust, service, and transformation, proving that true leadership is measured not by titles, but by tangible impact on the lives of the people.
Hon. Chief Pedro Okwudili Nwankwo: Dynamic Administrator and Visionary Builder
Hon. Chief Pedro Okwudili Nwankwo has carved a remarkable path in public service and enterprise, blending academic distinction, entrepreneurial innovation, and visionary governance into a life of impact. A proud son of Onoli Awgu in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, his journey reflects a consistent dedication to excellence and community development.
An alumnus of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Chief Nwankwo distinguished himself early as a student leader, serving as Departmental SUG President in 2015. Driven by the quest for higher learning, he advanced to the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), where he obtained a Master of Science in Maritime Business and International Logistics—an achievement that underscored his global outlook and strategic acumen.
Hon. Chief Pedro Okwudili Nwankwo’s political journey reflects a rare blend of visionary leadership, grassroots inclusivity, and a deep-seated passion for community development. Since his first appointment as Caretaker Committee Chairman of Awgu LGA in 2019, and his subsequent elections in 2020 and 2022 as Executive Chairman, Chief Nwankwo has consistently proven that governance can be a true instrument of service.
Under his watch, Awgu has witnessed the rehabilitation of rural roads, improved access to healthcare, expansion of educational opportunities, and the establishment of skill acquisition programs that have empowered more than 300 youths with start-up support to become self-reliant. His administration has equally invested in women empowerment initiatives, rural electrification projects, and community security networks, bringing tangible development to the grassroots.
Beyond politics, his entrepreneurial success with Kamchizzy Nigeria Limited has enabled him to channel resources into philanthropy, further strengthening the fabric of his community. As Secretary of ALGON, Enugu State Chapter since 2023, he has continued to advocate for policies that prioritize local government autonomy, rural development, and sustainable empowerment. Chief Nwankwo’s leadership is rightly celebrated as progressive, people-centered, and anchored in the vision of building resilient communities for future generations.
Chief Nwankwo’s philanthropic footprint is equally significant. He has sponsored the skill acquisition training of over 300 youths, equipping them with startup packages for self-reliance, while spearheading numerous community development initiatives that uplift families and strengthen local economies.
Today, Hon. Chief Pedro Okwudili Nwankwo stands tall as a progressive leader, a tested administrator, and a dynamic community builder, whose trajectory continues to inspire trust and admiration across political and social spheres.
Ms. Ikaehota Paula Osebor: Transformational Educator and Global Advocate
Founder of Kids N Bibs Centre and Bells and Bridges Bilingual School, Ms. Ikaehota Paula Osebor is being celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to 21st-century education and her unwavering commitment to shaping the next generation. A visionary educator with international certifications from Modern Montessori International, London, and other global institutions, she has built learning environments that go far beyond academics—spaces where children are nurtured in character, values, and intercultural fluency. Under her leadership, education has become not merely a path to knowledge but a catalyst for purpose, integrity, and global citizenship.
Her passion for holistic excellence has seen her schools become beacons of safety, innovation, and belonging, equipping learners with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Currently advancing her academic journey with a Master’s in Educational Administration at a leading American university and an Executive MBA at the University of Abuja, Ms. Osebor exemplifies lifelong learning and strategic leadership. Her inclusive leadership style empowers staff, partners with families, and instills confidence in students to reach their fullest potential.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Osebor is a philanthropist whose impact is deeply felt within and beyond Nigeria. As a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, she actively champions initiatives in child welfare, women’s empowerment, and community development. Her philanthropic reach has extended to vulnerable communities, reflecting her belief that service, compassion, and education are inseparable in building a better world. She has become a symbol of hope and excellence for women in education and enterprise—an inspiration to all who believe in transforming society through purposeful leadership.
In recognizing Ms. Paula Osebor, the British American Open University honors not only her achievements but also her vision: that education is the most powerful legacy we can give to our children and the surest foundation for a prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive future.
Princess Mrs. Obioma Agbo (Nee Ugwuegede): Distinguished Public Servant and Humanitarian Voice
For more than two decades, Princess Obioma Agbo has stood at the forefront of Nigeria’s financial regulatory sector while simultaneously shaping lives through humanitarian service. At the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where she has served with exceptional dedication, Princess Agbo has rotated through strategic divisions including Enforcement, Risk Assessment, Corporate Governance, Market Development, and the Nigerian Capital Market Institute. Today, she serves as the Head of Library and Information Services of SEC, where her leadership continues to influence policy, transparency, and innovation within the Nigerian capital market.
Her academic and professional portfolio is equally formidable. She holds a Master’s in Legal Studies (Administrative Law and Public Policy) from LASU, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Open University of Nigeria, and a wealth of international certifications across law, risk management, finance, and strategic administration from institutions in the UK, Dubai, Malaysia, and Ghana. These achievements highlight her commitment to excellence, professional versatility, and the pursuit of global best practices.
Yet beyond her technical expertise, Princess Obioma Agbo has carved her greatest legacy through service to humanity. A committed Rotarian for over 30 years, she is celebrated as the first lady Rotarian of the Rotary Club of Agbara Estate, Lagos, and has since gone on to establish and lead several Rotary Clubs across Abuja, including the Rotary Club of Abuja Cosmopolitan and the Rotary Club of Abuja Aso Hills, where she currently serves as President.
Her humanitarian projects are nothing short of transformative. She adopted the Karamajiji Disabled Colony along Abuja Airport Road, home to over 500 disabled men, women, and children. Under her leadership, boreholes were drilled and water domesticated to every hut, electricity was restored through the donation of a transformer, a recreational and skills acquisition center was built, and a school was established for the colony’s children. Her compassionate
High Chief Alphonsus Osita Omah: Industrialist and Advocate of Knowledge
From the serene village of Agungwu to the pinnacle of corporate leadership, High Chief Alphonsus Osita Omah has etched his name as a man of vision, resilience, and unyielding determination. His life story is one of triumph over limitations, a shining example of how perseverance and purpose can transform humble beginnings into monumental achievements.
As the Chief Executive Officer of Syphons Associates West Africa Ltd, a leading firm in the importation of heavy-duty and earth-moving equipment, Chief Omah has not only built a thriving enterprise but also positioned himself as a strategic contributor to Nigeria’s industrial growth. Under his leadership, the company has become a trusted name in equipment supply, supporting infrastructure development across the nation. His entrepreneurial acumen has created jobs, empowered communities, and fueled economic activity—leaving an enduring footprint in the private sector.
Yet, Chief Omah’s pursuit of success was never limited to boardroom triumphs. Guided by his deep conviction in the transformative power of education, he made the bold decision to return to academics decades after his initial studies. Enrolling at the National Open University of Nigeria, he successfully graduated in 2024 with a Second-Class Upper in Political Science. This achievement not only reaffirmed his passion for continuous growth but also inspired many young Nigerians, proving that education is a lifelong journey and a priceless investment in one’s destiny.
Beyond business and academia, High Chief Omah remains a pillar in his community. He has consistently invested in youth empowerment programs, faith-based initiatives, and social development projects that uplift families and strengthen societal bonds. His ability to balance corporate leadership with humanitarian service has made him a role model across generations.
Today, High Chief Alphonsus Osita Omah stands tall as a quintessential achiever—an entrepreneur who builds, a scholar who inspires, and a leader whose legacy continues to shape both his community and the nation at large. His trajectory is a story of courage, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.
A Diplomatic Celebration of African Excellence
Diplomatic envoys, traditional rulers, and captains of industry are expected to grace the ceremony, underscoring the international significance of the honors. The British American Open University described the honorees as “worthy ambassadors of African excellence whose lives exemplify the values of education, philanthropy, leadership, and nation-building.”
As the countdown begins to the August 2 ceremony, Nigeria and the global community await a celebration that will etch the names of these five distinguished citizens further into the chronicles of leadership, service, and humanity
The forthcoming conferment of Honorary Doctoral Degrees on Rt. Hon. Caleb Onyema Ani, Hon. Chief Pedro Okwudili Nwankwo, Ms. Ikaehota Paula Osebor, Princess Mrs. Obioma Agbo (Nee Ugwuegede), and High Chief Alphonsus Osita Omah is more than a celebration of individual achievements — it is a reaffirmation of Africa’s rising place in the global arena of leadership, scholarship, and humanitarian service
The British American Open University, California, through this honor, not only elevates these five distinguished Nigerians but also sends a clear message to the world: that excellence, integrity, and service to humanity remain the greatest currencies of our time.
As the nation and indeed the international community converge at the National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja, on August 2, we proudly present these honorees to history — as torchbearers of hope, models of resilience, and champions of transformation
