The Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has approved the conferment of Honorary Degrees on Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Sale.
This will be conferred on them at the institution’s 44th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, 25th January 2025.
This followed the consideration and endorsement of the recommendation of the Honorary Degrees Committee by the Senate of the University at its 544th (Special) meeting. Subsequently, the Council gave the approval at its 207th (Special) meeting held on Wednesday, 8th January 2025.
In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate, office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria on Friday disclosed that both personalities have accepted the honour.
The statement noted; “Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will be conferred with Doctor of Science (D.Sc) Honoris Causa, while Sheikh Sharif Sale will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D) Honoris Causa.
According to the statement, ”Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON a global finance expert, an economist and international development professional with over 40 years of experience working in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America, is currently the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). She assumed office as WTO Director-General in March 2021, becoming the first woman and the first African to head the international organisation.
“Born on 13th June 1954 to the family of Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo who was Obi of the Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala started her early education in Queen’s School, Enugu and St. Anne’s School, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State. She attended Harvard University, USA, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1976, and obtained a PhD in Regional Economics and Development in 1981 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.
“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister (2003–2006 and 2011–2015) and briefly acted as Foreign Minister in 2006. She was the first woman to hold both positions. During her first term as Finance Minister in the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, she spearheaded negotiations with the Paris Club that led to the wiping out of US$30 billion of Nigeria’s debt, including the outright cancellation of US$18 billion.
