The Federal University Dutsin-ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, has conferred honorary degree on the former Gov. Ibrahim Shema.
The university has also extended the same gesture to the Emirs of Daura and Bichi, Alhaji Umar Faruk-Umar and Alhaji Nasiru Ado-Bayero, respectively.
The Chancellor of the University, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja, conferred the honorary degrees (Honoris Causa) on the trio, at the 7th and 8th combined convocation, held on Saturday in Dutsin-ma.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 4, 365 students graduated during the period, out of which, 11 have Ph.D, 168, Masters Degrees, 73 have Professional Diploma, while 149 have Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD).
The event was graced by hundreds of friends and well-wishers of the graduating students and awardees, as well as, members of the academia from various tertiary institutions across the country.
Douglas-Jaja then conferred Dr. of Law on Shema, who governed Katsina State between 2007 and 2015.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk-Umar, was conferred Dr. of Letters, while the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado-Bayero, was awarded with Dr. of Business Administration.
Douglas-Jaja said that the trio were awarded in recognition of their tremendous contribution to the society and country in general.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Shema expressed gratitude to the university, its facility, staff and students for inviting them to share that special occasion with them.
“As we receive these honorary degrees, we are mindful of the responsibility that comes with them.
“We are aware that we are not only being honored for our past accomplishments, but also for our potential to contribute to the future of our country and humanity.
“We are challenged to use our knowledge, skills and talents to help Nigeria overcome its contemporary challenges of insecurity, high unemployment, poverty and spiraling inflation.
“They are accompanied by ever rising costs of living among other socio-economic indicators, which we hope and believe the current administration of President Bola Tinubu will address urgently,” he said.
Shema further said that they were challenged to uphold the values of truth, justice, credible commitment and compassion to inspire the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
“We are proud to join this community and to collaborate with you in advancing the frontiers of knowledge, discovery and creativity,” he said. (NAN)