Ekiti State University (EKSU) has announced that it will confer honorary doctorates on three distinguished individuals at its upcoming convocation on 29th March 2025. The university will recognise Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Dr. Zach Adedeji, and the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, for their immense contributions to public service, governance, and national development.
The announcement was made in an official letter from EKSU’s Registrar, Mr Ife Oluwole. The letter confirmed that the decision to award the honorary degrees was made by the university’s Governing Council and Senate. The honorary doctorates are being awarded to these distinguished individuals in recognition of their tireless efforts in advancing various sectors of Nigerian society, including law, finance, and industry.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele will be honoured with a Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa). According to the university, this recognition is given to Bamidele for his significant contributions to the development of the university, Nigeria, and the international community. As a long-serving public official, Bamidele’s leadership in the Nigerian Senate has been instrumental in pushing for progressive laws and policies. His advocacy for the rule of law, human rights, and social justice has earned him widespread respect both at home and abroad.
In a statement from his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Senator Bamidele expressed his deep appreciation for the honour and thanked EKSU for the recognition. He acknowledged that the award represents not just a personal achievement but a call to continue working for the public good. Bamidele, who has built a reputation for championing pro-people legislation, reiterated his commitment to using his office to promote national unity, advocate for the welfare of citizens, and ensure peaceful coexistence across the country.
Dr. Zach Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), will also be awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his contributions to the development of the country’s tax system and his leadership role in national economic policy. Dr. Adedeji’s work in the FIRS has been crucial in increasing Nigeria’s tax revenue, improving compliance, and enhancing the efficiency of the country’s tax administration system.
Similarly, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Bank of Industry, will be honoured for his invaluable role in supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation. Dr. Muhtar, who previously served as the Minister of Finance under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, has been at the forefront of promoting policies that have driven economic growth and development in Nigeria. His leadership in the Bank of Industry has helped transform the Nigerian business environment, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improving access to financing for local industries.
This recognition from EKSU comes on the back of several other honours for Senator Bamidele. In February 2024, he was conferred with a Doctor of Public Law (Honoris Causa) by the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, in recognition of his role in shaping Nigeria’s legislative landscape. Additionally, in January 2023, Joseph Ayo Babalola University awarded him a Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa), acknowledging his commitment to national peace and the development of pro-people legislation.
These honorary degrees further highlight Senator Bamidele’s tireless work in pushing for legislative reforms, peacebuilding, and socio-economic development in Nigeria. His reputation as a key advocate for justice, progress, and national cohesion continues to grow, and the honours he has received reflect his pivotal role in Nigeria’s ongoing development.
The upcoming convocation at EKSU will be a historic event, as it not only marks a significant academic milestone for the university but also celebrates the outstanding achievements of these influential Nigerians who have made indelible marks in their respective fields.
