This Nigerian Former Leader Olusegun Obasanjo continues to amaze and fascinate me.
ICMS, Inc Reports
Commentary By Tom Okure, Ph.D
------------------
Former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo has once again
distinguished himself by obtaining an earn Ph.D. degree in Christian Theology
from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). It is very important to note that this is not
one of those honorary doctorate degrees which many rich individuals have
conferred on them simply by making huge donations to famous universities.
 |
| Olusegun Obasanjo, Ph.D |
For the avoidance of doubt, an honorary doctorate degree is
not a real degree. It is a nice recognition to someone given by an academic
institution of higher learning. Perhaps the only real worth or value of an
honorary doctorate degree is looking good hanging on the wall. Honorary degrees
are not 'real' degrees; in other words, being awarded an honorary degree is not
the same as getting an actual earned doctorate. More precisely, an honorary
degree is a degree honoris causa, Latin for 'for the sake of the honor'.
Obasanjo’s accomplishment is significant as a scholarly
endeavor. He was declared proficient to be awarded a PhD after a 163 minutes
successful defense of his doctoral dissertation before a panel of six
academicians.
The title of Obasanjo dissertation (thesis) is “Resolving
the Unfinished Agenda in Liberation Theology: Leadership, Poverty and
Underdevelopment in North Eastern Nigeria.” His dissertation was submitted to his
department as part of the requirements for the fulfillment of the requirement
for the award of a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Christian Theology. The
former Nigerian President whose matriculation number reads NOU 146058901 was
among the 14,769 graduating students from the National Open University of
Nigeria (NOUN).
Obasanjo is a pillar in the Nigerian political scene and he
continues to make his voice heard and relevant in part because he continually strives
to develop himself and his environment. For a man of his age, it is astonishing
that he continues to set new and challenging goals for himself. He mirrors good
leadership traits of a man of purpose and represents a study in statesmanship for
aspiring men and women who seek to gain prominence in the Nigerian political scene
of the future.
Notwithstanding his personal shortcomings as a person, Obasanjo
is fascinating because he has a remarkable legacy as a Nigerian leader. His
particular example, in terms of persistence and determination and the manner in
which he continues to reinvent himself combined with a restorative type quality
and dynamism of his many accomplishments are truly amazing.
So with great admiration for this great Nigerian leader, I join
with many other well wishers to congratulate Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for this academic accomplishment and to welcome him to the eminent and
distinguished club of Nigeria’s Ph.D. elite.
--------------------
Read More:
