Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has been conferred with the prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) degree by the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ekiti State.

The award recognizes his exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing quality education in Nigeria.

Receiving the honorary degree at the maiden convocation ceremony of the university in Ikere-Ekiti over the weekend, Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to transforming the education sector in Enugu State.

He emphasised a shift towards innovative and experiential learning as a sustainable model for development.

The governor acknowledged that while the impact of educational investments takes time to manifest, his government remains committed to equipping children and youth with the skills needed to compete globally.

“This award is a reminder that there is no greater honor than service. It is an inspiration to recommit to governance values that prioritize education as the best legacy for the next generation,” Mbah stated.

With over 33% of Enugu State’s annual budget allocated to education, Mbah highlighted his administration’s ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green Schools to foster problem-solving skills over rote learning.

The honorary doctorate underscores Mbah’s contributions to education reform, positioning Enugu State as a model for innovative learning in Nigeria.

While stressing the university’s motto, “Learning for Self-Reliance,” Mbah said this should resonate with all levels of government nationwide in the face of shrinking international funding by some world economies, saying it was time to press the inventive button as a nation.

He noted that despite the BOUESTI being at its formative years, the university had made giant strides by nurturing an environment that was conducive to learning.

“This clearly underscores the university’s firm belief in the primacy of human capital development. Although established in 2020, it is heartwarming that this university is emerging as a formidable platform for science and technological renaissance.”

Commending the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his enduring reforms and sustained investment in education, Mbah charged the graduands to wear the toga of the university with pride and dignity, urging them not to severe links with the institution as alumni.

While conferring the highest degree on the governor, the university’s Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun, said the degree was strictly meant for lawyers of distinction, which Mbah had clinched by merit.

He described the governor as a rare breed in the entrepreneurial space, who was presently disrupting the Nigerian leadership space through his innovative style of governance.