U.S. Varsity Confers Honorary Doctorates on Caleb, Pedro , Paula, Obioma, Alphonsus, and Other Eminent Personalities
By Genesis Ogiri
Abuja, Nigeria — In a landmark celebration of excellence and service, the British American Open University (BAOU), California, conferred Honorary Doctoral Degrees on seventy-four distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their exceptional contributions to leadership, education, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian service.
The prestigious investiture, held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja, drew a constellation of eminent personalities from the worlds of politics, academia, business, and diplomacy. The grand ceremony transformed the historic hall into a radiant stage of national pride and global recognition.
Among the esteemed honorees were 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 — each celebrated for their enduring impact on governance, education, youth empowerment, gender advocacy, enterprise, and humanitarian service.
Also honored at the ceremony were other eminent personalities, including Senator Adefemi Kila, Kaduna State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Hon. Sule Shuaibu, SAN, Dr. Uchenna Eze, Ucha Samuel, Usman Alfa, Rebecca Bolanle, Anthony Chukwudi, Ibinabo Joy, Abubakar Sadiq, Martin Oruma, and Aishatu Zakari. Their recognition further underscored the ceremony’s grandeur, affirming the British American Open University’s mission of celebrating Nigerians who embody integrity, leadership, and service.
The momentous occasion brought together a constellation of esteemed guests from across Nigeria and beyond, filling the hall with cultural dignity and national pride. Diplomats, academics, captains of industry, royal fathers, clergy, and political leaders gathered to witness the conferment, underscoring the global significance of the recognition bestowed on the distinguished honorees.
The roll call was endless and illustrious, a resounding tribute to Nigeria’s wealth of talent and the far-reaching impact of her sons and daughters in shaping the global narrative.
Presiding over the event were the Vice Chancellor of BAOU, Professor David Bruce Day; Vice President, Professor Walter Parrish Terry; African Regional Director, Professor Paul Godwin Udofla; and Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, Chairman of the Governing Council and former Minister of Education.
Professor David Bruce Day, Vice Chancellor of the British American Open University, together with members of the Governing Council, charged the recipients to uphold the highest standards of ethical leadership as they carry the weight of this distinguished honor. He noted that the honorary doctorate is not merely a recognition of past achievements but a solemn call to embody values that inspire trust, accountability, and service.
The Vice Chancellor further urged the honorees to continue giving back to society through initiatives that promote education, innovation, and humanitarian service. “Your recognition today places you among a select class of global leaders. The world will look to you not only for your accomplishments but for the legacies you build. Let your influence be measured by the lives you touch and the transformations you inspire,” Professor Day declared.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, African Regional Director Professor Paul Godwin Udofla praised the awardees as “worthy ambassadors of African excellence whose lives exemplify the highest values of education, philanthropy, leadership, and nation-building.” He added that their accomplishments have not only transformed their communities but also elevated Africa’s global image of resilience, innovation, and integrity.
According to Leonard Papee Onuchukwu, Secretary of the Planning and Mobilization Committee, the event went beyond the conferment of academic honors; it was a historic celebration of Nigerians whose lives embody sacrifice, service, and the pursuit of progress. He praised the honorees as “exemplars of integrity, transformational leadership, and unwavering service to humanity,” noting that their achievements have transformed communities and elevated Nigeria’s global relevance.
He further explained that the recipients were carefully chosen not only for their professional excellence but also for their moral character and commitment to humanity. Onuchukwu emphasized that the recognition should serve as both an honor and a call to greater responsibility, urging the honorees to continue advancing peace, education, innovation, and inclusive growth for the benefit of future generations.
Profiles of the Honorees
Rt. Hon. Caleb Onyema Ani: Torchbearer of Grassroots Governance
Currently serving as Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Ani has earned a reputation as a servant-leader redefining grassroots governance. Rising from humble beginnings as Assistant Secretary of PDP Ward 11, he steadily gained trust through integrity and diligence, later serving as Councillor, Legislative Leader, and Special Assistant before his 2024 election as LGA Chairman. Widely praised for transparency, youth empowerment, and community development, Ani embodies humility, faith, and people-centered leadership, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Hon. Chief Pedro Okwudili Nwankwo: Visionary Builder and Administrator
A proud son of Onoli Awgu in Enugu State, Hon. Chief Nwankwo blends entrepreneurial excellence with visionary governance. A graduate of ESUT and holder of a Master’s degree in Maritime Business and International Logistics from UNEC, his leadership as Executive Chairman of Awgu LGA has brought rural roads, healthcare facilities, educational opportunities, and skill acquisition programs for more than 300 youths. Beyond politics, his company, Kamchizzy Nigeria Limited, and philanthropic ventures continue to uplift families and foster sustainable development.
Ms. Ikaehota Paula Osebor: Educator and Global Advocate
Founder of Kids N Bibs Centre and Bells and Bridges Bilingual School, Ms. Osebor has transformed early childhood education in Nigeria. Certified by Modern Montessori International, London, she has built schools that nurture not just academic excellence but also character, intercultural fluency, and values. A Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, she has advanced initiatives in child welfare, women’s empowerment, and community development, symbolizing the transformative power of purposeful education and philanthropy.
Princess Mrs. Obioma Violet Agbo (Nee Ugwuegede): Public Servant and Humanitarian Voice
With over two decades of service at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Princess Agbo has distinguished herself in governance, risk management, and transparency. Beyond her professional career, her humanitarian impact is profound. A Rotarian for more than 30 years, she transformed the lives of over 500 disabled residents at Karamajiji Colony near Abuja Airport Road, providing boreholes, electricity, a skills center, and a school. Her story is one of tireless service, compassion, and inclusive development.
High Chief Alphonsus Osita Omah: Entrepreneur and Advocate of Knowledge
From Agungwu village to the corporate boardroom, High Chief Omah’s story is one of perseverance and triumph. As CEO of Syphons Associates West Africa Ltd, he has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s industrial growth while creating jobs and supporting infrastructure development. Defying convention, he returned to school decades later, graduating with a Second-Class Upper in Political Science from the National Open University in 2024, inspiring young Nigerians with his commitment to lifelong learning. His philanthropy in youth empowerment and faith-based initiatives cements his role as a community pillar.
With the conferment of these honorary doctoral degrees, BAOU not only celebrated the personal achievements of its honorees but also reaffirmed Africa’s growing place in the global arena of leadership, scholarship, and service.
As the applause echoed through the National Merit Award House, one thing was clear: the legacies being honored were not just personal triumphs but collective milestones in Nigeria’s and Africa’s journey toward excellence, resilience, and transformation.
