AdminLast week, the Lagos State University conferred a Honorary Doctorate degree of Humane Letters on former Governor of Ekiti State, for services in human rights, national integration and security in Africa.
Honoured alongside Fayemi was his brother Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, former Governor of Lagos State and former Speaker of House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila amongst others in the well attended ceremony conducted by the Visitor to the University, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the LASU campus.
It surprised many who know Fayemi closely that he accepted the honour. Fayemi, who earned a PhD in War/Strategic Studies from King’s College, University of London 30 years ago, has consistently refused to accept honorary degrees and chieftaincy titles throughout his time in office as Governor and Minister, appealing often that those who believed he’s worthy of such honour should wait till he’s no longer in office.
As an academic, Fayemi has often excoriated the bastardisation of honorary degrees in Nigeria. He has also urged universities to be scrupulous in the award of such degrees. When asked why he accepted the LASU honour, he said it was a pleasant surprise.
“First, I’m no longer in office, so no one could accuse the University of doing this for gratification. Second, fellow honorees are all worthy and accomplished. Third, no one approached me from LASU prior to the award. The first time I heard of it was when the Vice Chancellor wrote to inform me of the honour. So, the process appeared to have been all above board.”
What many may not know is that this honour also fits very well into Fayemi’s current circumstances. Very few are aware that since leaving office, Fayemi has been back in his alma mater, King’s College, University of London, as a Visiting Professor in the Africa Leadership Centre of King’s College School of Global Affairs. Congratulations once again to the former Governor turned Teacher.
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