The Bayero University, Kano (BUK), yesterday conferred on the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin and the president, Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, honourary doctorate degrees at its 38th convocation ceremony.
Barau was awarded Doctor of Laws (honoris causa), while Adesina bagged Doctor of Business Administration following recognition of their contributions to education and youth development, among others.
The vice chancellor of the university, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, said both the Senate and management of the institution approved the nominations for the coveted awards, which also came as a result of their great passion and commitment in impacting the lives of the common man across many spheres of life.
While 180 students of the university graduated with first class degrees, a total of 11,284 have so far graduated and awarded degrees respectively, among whom are 317 PhD graduates and 3,770 received master's degrees.
Extolling the high values of the university, Senate President Godswill Akpabio tasked the students to aim high as they embark on a new journey in life.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Dr Adesina thanked the university for the honour.
He said, "Bayero University is known for excellence, I personally would like to recognise two of their medical doctors who are known among doctors in the world. It is a great honour for all of us. I am now a member of the Bayero University, Kano."
While thanking the citadel of learning for the award bestowed on him, Deputy President Senate Jibrin said, "This award will further spur me to do more in the development of the educational and other sectors of our country, as it is always said that to whom much is given, more is required.
"I believe my co-recipient, Dr Akinwumi Adesina would also be encouraged to support this university and others to attain greater heights in terms of infrastructural development."
The award ceremony had in attendance many serving and past senators, members of the House of Representatives, Education Minister Mamman Tahir, TETFund executive secretary, Sunday Echono, Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, among many others.