By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday, announced the deferment of the award of an honorary doctorate degree to the dethroned Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, due to prevailing circumstances.

He said that the honorary doctorate degree in risk management which was approved by the Senate of the university after due consideration would be awarded to Sanusi in subsequent convocation of the university.

Esimone made the declaration during the 14th convocation ceremony of the university, saying that the former Central Bank Governor was chosen for the award because of his contribution to education.

He said: “The award will be conferred on the former Emir in our future convocation ceremonies. You do not just choose people for Honorary Doctorate Degree; you have to consider their contribution to education, and particularly to the institution.

“I can tell you that Sanusi has contributed a lot to education in Nigeria and to this institution. It was while he was the governor of the Central Bank that most structures in this institution were erected, through his efforts.”

Sanusi was dethroned on Monday by Governor of Kano, Umar Ganduje, and banished to Nasarawa State.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Vice Chancellor of the institution for keying into the annual convocation plan of the ministry of education, early in his tenure.

Buhari, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Universities Commission, NUC, Prof Abubakar Rasheed, hailed the honorary degree recipients for the honour given them.

According to him, “They are men of high standing, who have made great contributions to the economy of the country.

“We congratulate your emergence as the Vice Chancellor, and we promise that we will continue to provide an enabling environment for education to flourish. I reiterate my administration’s resolve to place great premium on education.”

The President called on the awardees to see the honour accorded them as a call for greater service and to seek to work with government to achieve a greater Nigeria.

Other awardees, Mr Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman of Innoson Motors, a vehicle manufacturing company, and Dr Dozie Chukwudozie, Chairman of Dozzy Group, were awarded doctor of industrial engineering and doctor of commerce, respectively.

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