Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, has officially conferred an honorary doctorate in Public Administration on Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, in recognition of his contributions to economic discourse and national development.
The formal decoration took place on January 30 at the Speaker’s office, following the initial award presentation during the university’s 14th convocation ceremony on January 7. The university’s founder, Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Abdulraheem Oladimeji, and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Noah Yusuf, personally presented the honour.
The decision to award Speaker Abbas the honorary degree was influenced by his widely acclaimed convocation lecture, delivered on December 30, 2024. His lecture, titled “Beyond Oil: Exploring Alternative Revenue Potentials for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” resonated with scholars, economists, and policymakers, sparking discussions on diversifying Nigeria’s revenue sources beyond crude oil. The university leadership commended the Speaker for his intellectual depth and policy insights, which they believe align with the institution’s commitment to innovative research.
During the decoration ceremony, Prof. Yusuf emphasized the lecture’s impact, stating that it has received global recognition and scholarly praise. He noted that the university intends to preserve the lecture in its archives as a reference for future research on economic sustainability. He also presented a proposal for a national roundtable discussion on the topic, suggesting that government officials, economists, and academics collaborate to translate the ideas into actionable policies.
Expressing his gratitude, Speaker Abbas lauded Al-Hikmah University for its academic excellence and for recognizing his efforts in public administration and economic policy. He highlighted the university’s remarkable growth and impact in higher education, attributing its success to the vision and dedication of its founder. He described Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladimeji as an inspiration, noting that despite not attending a university himself, he established an institution that has produced renowned scholars and professionals.
The Speaker further reaffirmed his commitment to national development, stating that the honorary doctorate strengthens his resolve to continue advocating for economic reforms. He encouraged universities and research institutions to play a more active role in shaping public policy, stressing that collaboration between academia and government is crucial for sustainable growth.
