Nigeria’s Former President, Goodluck Jonathan was bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate Degree by Igbinedion University.

The former president was bestowed with the degree during the University’s 17th convocation ceremony held on Saturday, November 30th, 2019 by the governing council of Igbinedion University, Okada.

The University’s College of Arts and Social Sciences was also renamed after the former Vice President.

Jonathan also addressed the gathering and showered praise on Igbinedion University, noting that it is the first licensed private university in Nigeria. He further thanked the University’s governing council for considering him worthy of the honour. In his words, “I am grateful for this recognition as it comes years after I left office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I always believe that the recognition one receives when he is no longer that ‘powerful man sitting in a big office’ is the one he truly deserves”.
He specially commended the University’s Founder and Pro-chancellor, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion who is the Esama of Benin Kingdom.

Jonathan also congratulated the graduating students and their parents and guardians, as he urged the graduates to be resilient in the pursuit of their dreams.
Jonathan advises graduates, “To live your dreams you must work hard, be innovative, be courageous and be consistent on the path of honour,” as he congratulate the graduating students and their parents and guardians”, as he urged the graduates to be resilient in the pursuit of their dreams.

Jonathan also congratulated others who were honoured at the ceremony like His Royal Majesty, the Elegushi of Ikate, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Professor Olu Aina, Nollywood Icon, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Sow Bertin Agba are among dignitaries honoured by the university.