ABU to Honour Okonjo-Iweala, Sheikh Sharif at 44th Convocation
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is set to honour two distinguished personalities, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussain, with honorary degrees at its 44th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025.
The decision to confer the honorary degrees was approved by the Governing Council of the university following recommendations from the Honorary Degrees Committee, endorsed at the Senate’s 544th (Special) meeting and finalized at the Council’s 207th (Special) meeting held on January 8, 2025.
In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate, ABU Vice-Chancellor’s office confirmed the acceptance of the honours by both recipients.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and a global icon in finance and international development, will receive a Doctor of Science (D.Sc) Honoris Causa in recognition of her exemplary contributions to global economic development, transparency in governance, and financial reforms.
Born on June 13, 1954, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is an accomplished economist and development expert with over 40 years of experience spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University and a PhD in Regional Economics and Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
As Nigeria’s Finance Minister, she led historic negotiations with the Paris Club, securing the cancellation of $18 billion in debt and improving Nigeria’s economic stability through innovative fiscal policies. Her tenure at the WTO marked a milestone as she became the first woman and first African to lead the global trade organization.
On the other hand, Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussain will be conferred with a Doctor of Laws (LL.D) Honoris Causa for his profound contributions to Islamic scholarship and interfaith dialogue.
Born on May 12, 1938, in Aredibe, Borno State, Sheikh Sharif is a globally revered Islamic scholar, author, and advocate for peaceful coexistence. He has authored over 500 books and participated in numerous international conferences. Despite his traditional Islamic training within Nigeria’s Tsangaya system, Sheikh Sharif earned global recognition for his scholarship, blending modern approaches with classical Islamic teachings.
A respected voice in governance, Sheikh Sharif has served on various advisory committees and represented Nigeria on international delegations to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Malaysia. His contributions to fields like Islamic jurisprudence, finance, and interfaith relations have cemented his legacy as a bridge-builder across cultures and religions.
The convocation ceremony promises to be a celebration of excellence and a testament to ABU’s commitment to recognizing individuals who have made significant impacts on humanity.
