UNN Confers Honorary Doctorate On NDDC Boss As UNIPORT Honours Commission

The Governing Council and Senate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have conferred the Degree of Doctor of Public Administration, DPA (Honoris Causa), on the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

This honour recognises his transformative leadership and service to the people of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at the UNN’s 54th Convocation ceremony in Nsukka, Enugu State, Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofo Ujam, commended Dr. Ogbuku and the NDDC management for their contributions to the country’s educational development.

Professor Ujam highlighted the Commission’s achievements in the education sector, including foreign postgraduate scholarship awards and the construction of school buildings and hostels across the Niger Delta region.

Providing details on postgraduate awards, Professor Ujam stated: “We are also conferring 616 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 1,101 Master of Science (MSc) degrees, 133 Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, and 42 Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDs).”

The Pro-Chancellor of the university, Engineer Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, outlined the challenges facing the university, including power supply issues and general infrastructure decay.

In addition to Dr. Ogbuku, Engineer Chinedu Eric Okeke, Engineer Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari, Mr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, Dr. Jimoh Rauf Badamosi, and Chief Andrew Oru were also conferred with honorary doctorate degrees.

According to a citation from the university, Dr. Ogbuku was recognized as a transformational leader who has positively impacted the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the Commission’s achievements, while emphasising that much more remains to be done.

“This award is an encouragement to do more,” he said. “It shows that Nigerians appreciate the development efforts of the Commission. The award recognises the transformation taking place in the NDDC and the Niger Delta at large.”

The NDDC Managing Director expressed his gratitude for the award and reiterated his commitment to sustaining the development of the Niger Delta region.

“The award is a clear recognition of the changes taking place in the Commission, indicating that the people appreciate what the NDDC is doing,” he stated.

“For us at NDDC, this award means we must redouble our efforts. We will continue striving to positively impact the lives of Niger Delta people through impactful programs and projects.”

Evie receiving the honour from UNIPORT VC

In a related development, the NDDC received a prestigious award during the 35th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Commission, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, expressed gratitude to the university for the recognition.

He described the award as a call to greater service and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to improving the welfare of the Niger Delta people.

The Chairman stated that the award would further catalyse the current Board and Management to improve on the existing development drive.

He assured that the NDDC would continue to support the university in its efforts to enhance learning and skill development.

Mr. Ebie stated: “As you are aware, the university emphasises education, and we are ready to give them the necessary support, just as we have been doing in the area of awarding foreign scholarships to 200 candidates from the region. We are considering increasing the numbers to 600 based on the priority the present board places on education.”

The Chairman explained that the doors of the Niger Delta Development Commission are wide open to partnerships with other tertiary institutions, especially in areas of need.

Mr. Ebie also applauded the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, and other staff of the Commission who were awarded doctorate degrees, noting that it was a testament to their commitment to hard work, zeal, and determination to acquire knowledge. He added that the academic achievements would assist the awardees in adding value to the operations of the Commission.