Rebecca Bolanle Bags Honorary Doctorate, Champions Education
By Genesis Ogiri
The National Merit Award House, Maitama, glittered with elegance and national pride yesterday as history unfolded in the Federal Capital Territory. In a landmark moment that underscored the enduring value of knowledge, service, and global recognition, Ambassador Rebecca Bolanle Ukpevo, a distinguished journalist and educator, was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Education by the renowned British American Open University, California.
Dr. Ukpevo, in her dual role as Vice Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, and Proprietress of Estrellas International Academy, Wumba, Apo, Abuja, has carved a legacy as a tireless advocate for education. With a passion deeply rooted in service, she has championed opportunities for young girls and underprivileged communities, breaking barriers and opening doors where few existed.
Under her leadership, Estrellas International Academy has blossomed into a citadel of excellence and character formation, nurturing not only brilliant minds but also principled future leaders poised to transform society with knowledge, integrity, and vision.
The ceremony, steeped in grandeur and cultural dignity, drew an impressive array of dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, transforming the day into a resounding celebration of vision, service, and academic excellence.
The grand hall, adorned with rich cultural motifs and resplendent national symbols, radiated an air of dignity as it hosted a constellation of eminent personalities. Among those in attendance were diplomats, captains of industry, revered royal fathers, distinguished academics, spiritual leaders, and political figures — all united in their admiration of the honoree’s towering contributions to journalism and education.
The conferment was presided over by the esteemed Chancellor of the University, Prof. Bruce Day, the Vice President, Prof. Walter Terry, and the erudite Prof. Paul Godwin Udofla, whose solemn authority gave weight to the historic honor.
Adding further prestige to 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 infused the event with both profound spiritual authority and deep cultural symbolism.
Speaking with newsmen after receiving the award, Ambassador Ukpevo emphasized that education remains the strongest lifeline for any nation’s survival and progress. She called on individuals, corporate organizations, and philanthropic bodies to collaborate in providing scholarships and support for the less privileged, stressing that government alone cannot shoulder the enormous responsibility.
“The only way a country can run down is when there is no proper education,” she said, underscoring the urgency of collective action in sustaining Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Drawing inspiration from the Vice Chancellor’s earlier remarks, she urged fellow awardees to sustain their trajectory of achievements and to view the honor not as a destination but as a renewed mandate for greater service.
Her recognition, observers say, is not only a personal milestone but also a clarion call to stakeholders across Nigeria to treat education as the bedrock of national development.
As the curtains fell on the ceremony, it was clear that the honor bestowed upon Ambassador Rebecca Bolanle Ukpevo transcended personal achievement. It stood as a reaffirmation of education as the bedrock of progress, a reminder that investing in knowledge is investing in the nation’s future.
In her words and deeds, Ambassador Ukpevo continues to embody the truth that when education thrives, societies flourish — and when knowledge is nurtured, nations are secured. Her call for collective responsibility echoed through the halls of the National Merit Award House, leaving an indelible message: building Nigeria’s future is a task that requires all hands on deck.
