Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Awarded Honorary Doctorate at Ahmadu Bello University
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World Trade Organisation Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.), Honoris Causa, at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where she delivered the institution’s Pre-Convocation Lecture.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala delivered the 45th Pre-Convocation Lecture on January 30, 2026, titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Africa and Nigeria in the Present Global Geopolitical and Geostrategic Context.” The lecture examined Africa’s position within today’s shifting global landscape, highlighting both risks and opportunities for Nigeria and the continent.
She was formally conferred with the Honorary Doctorate during the university’s Convocation Ceremony held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at ABU’s Zaria campus.
In a post shared on her X account, the former Nigerian Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy expressed gratitude to the university’s leadership and community.
She thanked the Chancellor of the University, His Majesty, the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe; the Chairperson of the Governing Council, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed; faculty and staff, and gave special appreciation to the students for what she described as a “rousing welcome.”
Both the Pre-Convocation Lecture and Convocation ceremonies attracted dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, including The Rt. Reverend Justin Welby, the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury.
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, continues its tradition of recognising global leaders whose work has made significant contributions to national and international development.
