The University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, has honoured Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, the Chief Executive Officer, Oriental Energy Resources Ltd., with an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration.
In a remark during the special convocation on Thursday, Prof Charles Igwe, the UNN Vice-chancellor, said Indimi was chosen for the award because of his outstanding achievements, patriotism, selfless services to humanity and philanthropic gesture ‘that has no border’.
Igwe said Indimi, from Borno State, was among those selected for the awards during UNN’s 49th regular convocation in June 2021 but was unable to attend due to the travel ban imposed across the world because of COVID-19 pandemic.
“UNN honorary doctorate degree is reserved for distinguished Nigerians who excelled in their chosen fields as well as contributed immensely to national development, especially in education,” he said.
According to the VC, Indimi as a philanthropist has touched the lives of thousands of people, especially families who had been displaced by insurgency in the North east part of the country.
“His efforts to restore the dignity, pride and hope of displaced families is synonymous with UNN’s motto, ‘To restore the dignity of man’,” he said.
Also in a remark, Chief Ikechi Emenike, Chairman UNN Governing Council, commended the university management and Senate for identifying Indimi for the award, given his numerous contributions to national development especially in education sector.
“It’s my conviction and believe that honour should be given to whom is due.
“On behalf of governing council of the UNN, I congratulate the awardee and sincerely welcome him as a full member of the UNN family,” he said.
Speaking, Oba Adeyeye Enitan (the Ooni of Ife) and Chancellor of the UNN, said the purpose of honorary doctorate degree was to recognize and honour citizens whose contributions have impacted positively on national development and humanity.
“I salute all who find time to attend this special convocation in spite of their tight schedules and promise that the UNN will continue to recognize and honour Nigerians who have contributed greatly to national development, “he said.
Responding shortly after receiving the award, Indimi said he was humbled and overwhelmed by the honour done to him by the first indigenous university in the country.
“I am humbled that the UNN has honoured me today because of my contributions to national development, given scholarships to poor people as well as helping families that are displaced because of insurgency in the country, especially in north east.
“What the university has done to me today will spur me to do more to humanity.
“By this honorary doctorate degree, I am now a full member of UNN family and I promised to contribute my quota to ensure the university is moved to the next level,” he said.
NAN reports that dignitaries present at the event include Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, represented by Prof Simon Ortuanya, Secretary to Enugu State Government, and Gov Babagana Zulum of Borno State, represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur. (NAN)
