Nigeria’s Visionary Leaders Honoured: Hamisu Anani, Glory Effiong, Manship, Ugochukwu Igbo, Kemi Nshe and Others Receive Honorary Doctorates from U.S. Varsity
By Genesis ogiri
ABUJA — In a ceremony marked by elegance, intellectual gravitas, and national pride, the British American Open University (BAOUC), California, has conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees on a distinguished cadre of Nigerian leaders, including Alhaji Hamisu Mohammed Anani, Hon. Dcns. Glory Ekah Effiong, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, High Chief Ugochukwu Joseph Igbo, Hon. Kemi Nicholas Nshe, and other eminent personalities, in recognition of their exceptional leadership, transformative public service, entrepreneurial excellence, and unwavering commitment to societal advancement.
The conferment ceremony, held at the prestigious National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja, convened senior government officials, captains of industry, renowned academics, traditional rulers, and civil society luminaries, underscoring the national significance of the honours and the widespread respect commanded by the awardees. The gathering highlighted the university’s dedication to acknowledging leadership that advances human development and societal progress.
In a formal statement jointly issued by the Vice-Chancellor of BAOUC, Professor David Bruce Day, and Country Director, Prof. Paul Godwin Udofia, communicated by Mr. Leonard Papee Onuchukwu, a key member of the Planning and Mobilization Committee, the university emphasized that the awardees were selected for their distinguished records of ethical leadership, transformative governance, and measurable societal impact, noting that their work embodies the institution’s philosophy of knowledge applied to human progress.
BAOUC described them as leaders whose work embodies the university’s philosophy of knowledge applied to human progress.
Alhaji Hamisu Mohammed Anani, Executive Chairman of Wase Local Government Council, ALGON Chairman of Plateau State, and National Publicity Secretary of ALGON, received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters.
His tenure has been marked by innovative humanitarian interventions, including solar-powered street lighting across communities, free eye medical outreaches that benefited over 1,800 individuals, veterinary care and vaccination for over 60,000 cattle, rural electrification, potable water provision, youth empowerment programmes, and broad-based community development initiatives through the Rogoji Humanitarian Services Foundation. These efforts have not only improved livelihoods but also enhanced public trust and community cohesion.
Hon. Dcns. Glory Ekah Effiong, Executive Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, was recognized as the Best Performing Local Government Chairman South of the Niger. Since her inauguration in October 2024, she has delivered transformational projects across healthcare, education, infrastructure, ICT, security, youth and women empowerment, and social welfare.
Her administration has pioneered inclusion policies, particularly through appointments for persons living with disabilities and non-indigenes, while her peace-building and governance initiatives have elevated Ibeno to a model of excellence in local government administration.
Hon. Christopher Audu Manship, Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State, was honored for his visionary leadership and people-oriented governance.
During his tenure, he oversaw the completion of over 20 impactful community projects, implemented scholarship programmes for outstanding students, empowered women and youth through vocational training and economic initiatives, enhanced staff welfare, and improved local security infrastructure, transforming Qua’an-Pan into one of Plateau State’s safest and most progressive local government areas.
High Chief Ugochukwu Joseph Igbo, Chief Executive Officer of Ugomino Group of Companies, was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters for his exceptional contributions to the Nigerian economy and society.
Through his business ventures, he has driven job creation, industrial development, and entrepreneurship, while his philanthropic initiatives have provided educational scholarships, mentorship programmes, and community development interventions that have empowered thousands of Nigerians.
Hon. Kemi Nicholas Nshe, Executive Chairman of Shendam Local Government Council, received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Local Government Administration for his dedicated public service, transparent governance, and grassroots developmental achievements. His tenure has seen improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and civic engagement, strengthening local institutions and enhancing citizens’ welfare.
Other awardees recognized at the ceremony include leaders and public servants who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to societal development, ethical governance, and humanitarian service in their respective fields. Collectively, these honourees exemplify Nigeria’s evolving leadership class—individuals whose dedication and service continue to empower communities, foster inclusive growth, and drive national development.
Explaining the significance of the awards, BAOUC noted that a Doctorate in Humane Letters recognizes a lifetime of contributions to human welfare, ethical leadership, and societal advancement, celebrating the recipients’ roles in improving the human condition beyond purely academic or technical achievements.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to honoring leaders whose service transcends personal success and delivers sustainable value to humanity, describing the recipients as worthy ambassadors of ethical leadership, social responsibility, and development-focused governance.