Amb. Vyonku Mathias Bags Honorary Doctorate, Advocates Ethical Leadership

 By Genesis Ogiri

The National Merit Award House in Maitama, Abuja, sparkled with elegance and patriotic pride as history unfolded in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. In a momentous ceremony steeped in academic prestige and cultural grandeur, Ambassador Dr. Vyonku Mathias was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) by the distinguished British American Open University, California, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to leadership, humanitarian service, and grassroots development.

The high-profile event attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, transforming the venue into a vibrant convergence of excellence, tradition, and global intellectual celebration.

The grand hall — elegantly adorned with cultural motifs and national emblems — hosted a constellation of eminent guests including diplomats, captains of industry, royal fathers, academia, spiritual leaders, and political figures. Presiding over the ceremony were the university’s top academic leaders: Prof. Bruce Day (Chancellor), Prof. Walter Terry (Vice President), and Prof. Paul Godwin Udofla, whose authoritative presence lent gravitas to the proceedings.

Also gracing the occasion were the Fathers of the Day: Apostle Joshua Iginla, the revered General Overseer of Champions Royal Assembly, and His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’Ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, whose presence injected both cultural reverence and spiritual depth into the celebration.

Ambassador Dr. Vyonku Mathias, a retired Director from a federal ministry, stood tall as he received the honorary doctoral hood — a symbol of distinction earned through years of tireless service. Speaking to newsmen shortly after the conferment, he reflected on the arc of his leadership journey:

 “I was born a leader, I served as a leader, and today, another leadership crown has been awarded to me,” he stated with humble pride.

He lauded the British American Open University for identifying and honoring his contributions to society, calling the recognition a deeply meaningful affirmation of values he has long upheld.

 “I am sincerely grateful to the university for finding me worthy of this prestigious honor. It is not just a personal achievement, but a call to even greater responsibility — to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and inspire with action,” he said.

Dr. Mathias pledged to uphold the highest standards of ethical leadership and to continue championing integrity and accountability in both public and private spheres.

Ambassador Mathias also used the platform to renew his advocacy for inclusive education and community empowerment. He emphasized that quality education must be a shared responsibility and called on individuals, organizations, and policymakers to support efforts that uplift underserved communities.

 “Education is the bedrock of every progressive society. Where it is lacking, poverty and insecurity thrive. Government alone cannot bear the burden — all hands must be on deck,” he urged.

Dr. Mathias is widely known for his dynamic impact at the grassroots level, where he has spearheaded numerous philanthropic projects including scholarship initiatives, rural school rehabilitation, youth mentorship programs, and social welfare campaigns. His legacy continues to grow as he bridges the gap between advocacy and action, policy and people.

Drawing inspiration from the Vice Chancellor’s keynote message, Dr. Mathias encouraged all honorees and attendees to look beyond ceremonial recognition and rise to the deeper demands of transformational leadership.

“This honor is not a destination but a stepping stone,” he concluded. “We must lead with purpose, build institutions that serve the people, and invest in the next generation of thinkers, builders, and peacemakers.”

As the curtains fell on the prestigious event, one truth echoed through the hall: Ambassador Dr. Vyonku Mathias personifies a new kind of leadership — one rooted in service, shaped by discipline, and driven by the urgent need to create a more just and educated society.

His conferment of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters not only crowns a journey of personal integrity but sends a national message — that honor belongs to those who give back, lift others, and lead with unwavering moral clarity.



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